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

Chip stocks have been one of the largest beneficiaries of the AI boom as companies invest in memory and central processing units to fuel the infrastructure buildout. — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 30 July 2026

The company develops central processing units and deep computing units, accelerator cards designed for computing-intensive workloads. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026

At their core is a quantum processing unit (QPU), their version of a classical computer’s central processing unit. — Donald Keough, Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for central processing unit

• lunate
• multiunit
• subunit

Kids Definition

central processing unit

noun

: CPU