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

Doerr’s timeline starts in 1980 with the personal computer and microchip revolution, followed by the browser and the internet, the iPhone and cloud computing.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

Leaving his role at Compaq — the largest personal computer company at that time — to work at Apple was risky because of the company’s financial struggles.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

The idea of artificial intelligence, let alone a personal computer, was a fantasy at best.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

The explosion in value I enjoyed can be owed to something that happened in the U.S. around 1980: Americans invented the personal computer industry.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

In the 1970s, no educationist would have predicted the explosion in universal written communication caused by the personal computer, the internet and the key-pad of the mobile phone.

From "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Author

Related Words

• desktop computer
• laptop
• minicomputer
• workstation