personal computer

American  

noun

1. a compact computer that uses a microprocessor and is designed for individual use, as by a person in an office or at home or school, for such applications as word processing, data management, financial analysis, or computer games. PC

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personal computer British  

noun

1. a small inexpensive computer used in word processing, playing computer games, etc

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personal computer Scientific  

/ pûr′sə-nəl /

1. A computer built around a microprocessor for use by an individual. Personal computers have their own operating systems, software, and peripherals, and can generally be linked to networks.

2. Compare mainframe

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personal computer Cultural  

1. A computer typically used in the home, office, or school. Also a generic term for a PC Microsoft® operating system.

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Etymology

Origin of personal computer

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

personal computer

On Wednesday, Microsoft and Nvidia unveiled the Surface Laptop Ultra, a personal computer the companies say is designed for artificial-intelligence workloads.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 7, 2026

He was an early champion of the Apple II and was known in the industry as the guy on Wall Street who took the personal computer seriously.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026

In the 1980s, Lotus 1-2-3 became one of the primary reasons people bought the IBM PC, which helped bring the personal computer into America’s homes and offices.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026

Monday's announcement instead focuses on a new CPU, or central processing unit, which acts like the brain of a personal computer.

From Barron's ● Jun. 1, 2026

He put another log into the wood stove and sat down at his personal computer, which was located next to his clock-repair bench.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

Related Words

• desktop computer
• laptop
• minicomputer
• workstation