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

This monitor's product images, for example, show a screen with a lot of information (potentially too much) about the connected PC's CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage, accompanied by Dragon Ball Super anime graphics. —Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2025

In a game against the CPU, the Minnesota Vikings were trailing in OT after the Chicago Bears scored a TD on the first possession of the extra session. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

This model features a potent RTX 5080 GPU and Ryzen AI 9 CPU, which are at the higher end of what’s offered. —PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2025

At its big developer event in March, GTC, Nvidia announced plans for a PC product built around its GB10 CPU-GPU combination and workstation built around the upcoming GB300. —IEEE Spectrum, 2 June 2025

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