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

Semiconductor stocks are having another strong day in the market, thanks to Intel’s positive commentary about central processing unit (CPU) demand in the agentic AI era. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026

Nvidia recently released its first standalone CPU, adding to existing competition Intel faces from longtime rival AMD, as well as from server chips based on the ARM architecture (including an upcoming chip that ARM is making itself, instead of strictly licensing the chip design to other companies). —Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026

GoPro has fitted the camera with an improved Enduro 2 battery, which, coupled with the powerful GP3 CPU, enables the camera to record more than three hours of 4K video and more than five hours of HD video. —New Atlas, 16 Apr. 2026

The attack indicates that a hacker saw a major opportunity in targeting CPU-Z and HWMonitor, which have been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times across other third-party sites. —Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 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