CPU

abbreviation or noun

ˌsē-(ˌ)pē-ˈyü 

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

These [gaming] consoles require operating systems and CPUs that are different from desktop computers.

—finance.yahoo.com

—often used before another noun

CPU speed/performance

called also central processing unit, processor

Examples of CPU in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Shortening the distance between them, Apple says, alleviates data bottlenecks among the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, enabling better sustained multitasking performance and unlocking new capabilities for running local AI models. — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026

The chip includes a six-core CPU, seven-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines, while being built using a 2-nanometer process. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026

The New Zimbabwe reported that 27 people remain missing, citing Cecilia Chitiyo, chair of the Provincial Civil Protection Unit (CPU). — Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026

The one issue that is bothering me at or just before launch is the CPU's Wear and Tear management. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

central processing unit

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cpu

noun

ˌsē-ˌpē-ˈyü 

often capitalized C&P&U

: the part of a computer that does most of the data processing

Etymology

central processing unit