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Synonyms

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

personal computer British  

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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

personal computer Cultural  

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

Etymology

Origin of personal computer

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

Between 1990 and 2000, the share of U.S. households with a personal computer jumped from 15% to just over half.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

The 1.7-million-square-foot office facility, previously used by tech company IBM, is the birthplace of the personal computer, according to the campus’ website.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2026

He kept it on a personal computer, and he would type in a few words each day.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.