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

The robot’s dual-chip architecture combines an NVIDIA Jetson Orin module with an Intel N97 CPU, delivering the high-performance computing needed to handle complex perception, motion control, and demanding real-time workloads. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Jan. 2026

As part of the collaboration, CoreWeave will be among the first to deploy forthcoming Nvidia products, including storage systems and a new central processing unit, or CPU. —Dina Bass, Bloomberg, 26 Jan. 2026

CoreWeave will be the first to deploy future Nvidia products, including storage systems and a new central processing unit, or CPU. —Sofia Chierchio, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

The Performance tab shows real-time graphs for CPU, memory, disk, and network. —Ken Colburn, AZCentral.com, 12 Jan. 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