central processing unit

noun

plural central processing units
: 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 : cpu

Examples of central processing unit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Intel shares also had a strong day Thursday after Bank of America reversed its bearish view and double upgraded the stock to buy on confidence in foundry and also its central processing unit (CPU) business. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 12 June 2026 The crowd had likely gathered to learn more about Intel’s core product — the central processing unit, or CPU — a chip that acts as the brain of a computer. Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 7 June 2026 General-purpose CPUs, or central processing units, also are in greater demand. Ian King, Fortune, 20 May 2026 Former business rivals, including Nvidia Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang, have started talking about how central processing units, Intel’s main product, will play a major role in the artificial intelligence data center. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for central processing unit

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of central processing unit was in 1956

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Cite this Entry

“Central processing unit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/central%20processing%20unit. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

central processing unit

noun
: CPU

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