personal computer

noun

: a general-purpose computer equipped with a microprocessor and designed to run especially commercial software (such as a word processor or Internet browser) for an individual user

Examples of personal computer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The showdown threatens to roil the smartphone and personal computer markets, as well as disrupt the finances and operations of two of the most influential companies in the semiconductor industry. Ewan Spence, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 Optimization and smart management have turned products that were initially seen as novelties — the automobile, the telephone, or personal computers — into huge businesses. Seth Godin, Harvard Business Review, 22 Oct. 2024 The company designs, manufactures, and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables, accessories, and related services. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2024 The action cuts to a pit mine where workers using hand tools extract coltan (columbite-tantalite), a mineral used to create the tantalum capacitors that power devices like our mobile phones, personal computers, and cameras. Ruby Thélot, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for personal computer 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'personal computer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of personal computer was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near personal computer

Cite this Entry

“Personal computer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/personal%20computer. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

personal computer

noun
: a small general-purpose computer with a microprocessor

More from Merriam-Webster on personal computer

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