CPU
abbreviation or noun
variants
or less commonly cpu
plural CPUs also cpus
: the component of a computer system that performs the system's basic operations (such as processing data), that exchanges data with the system's memory or peripherals, and that manages the system's other components
The speed at which the central processing unit (CPU) runs, measured in megahertz, is a good indicator of a computer's power …—
Brad Hill
Brad HillThese [gaming] consoles require operating systems and CPUs that are different from desktop computers.—finance.yahoo.com
—often used before another nounfinance.yahoo.comCPU speed/performance
called also central processing unit, processor
Examples of CPU in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While some users might want to add their own cutting-edge external streaming device, the Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A55 CPU, an ARM Mali-G52 MC1 GPU, 2GB RAM, and 32 GB of ROM will keep things moving sufficiently.
—Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
The details of each unit—CPU, memory, HDD size—are taken down and added to the asset tag, and the device is sent on to be physically examined.
—ArsTechnica, 26 May 2025
The job posting is open now. CPU Circuit Design Engineer: $186,000-$263,000 a year
Company: Intel
Work type: Remote
This position will work on full custom and memory circuits.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2025
For example, systems built on Grace Hopper deliver 7× higher throughput between CPU and GPU compared to standard architectures.
—Janakiram Msv, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for CPU
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Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
The details of each unit—CPU, memory, HDD size—are taken down and added to the asset tag, and the device is sent on to be physically examined.
—ArsTechnica, 26 May 2025
The job posting is open now. CPU Circuit Design Engineer: $186,000-$263,000 a year
Company: Intel
Work type: Remote
This position will work on full custom and memory circuits.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2025
For example, systems built on Grace Hopper deliver 7× higher throughput between CPU and GPU compared to standard architectures.
—Janakiram Msv, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for CPU
Cite this Entry
“CPU.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/CPU. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cpu
nounoften capitalized C&P&U
: the part of a computer that does most of the data processing
Etymology
central processing unit
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