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
Apple claims that the total AI performance of the MacBook Pro is four times better than the M4 model when looking at CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine combined, and these numbers bear that out.
—PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
In 2023, Microsoft launched the Azure Maia AI Accelerator which is designed for AI workloads, as well as the Cobalt CPU.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
These structures don’t exist at the level of the CPU.
—Stephen Cass, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Sep. 2025
In many cases, that function may eventually be integrated into a host processor like a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or GPU.
—Jim McGregor, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
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PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
In 2023, Microsoft launched the Azure Maia AI Accelerator which is designed for AI workloads, as well as the Cobalt CPU.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
These structures don’t exist at the level of the CPU.
—Stephen Cass, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Sep. 2025
In many cases, that function may eventually be integrated into a host processor like a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or GPU.
—Jim McGregor, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 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 29 Oct. 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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