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

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

And he’s naming it for the most-infamous personal computer in American political history.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 7, 2026

Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg called Monday for lower barriers for open source AI, as his company introduced a new model that can run on a personal computer.

From Barron's ● Aug. 10, 2026

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

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