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
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There is an increasing number of players designing their own chips, from hyperscalers like Google to Arm, which used to provide the blueprint for certain semiconductors, coming to market with its own central processing unit, or CPU. Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026 With expertise in both the CPUs (central processing unit) used in supercomputers and the QPUs (quantum processing units) used in quantum computers, Fujitsu is ramping up cutting-edge projects in the quantum field. Fujitsu Contributor, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2026 The product — a central processing unit, often described as the brains of a computer — is designed to work alongside the accelerator chips offered by companies such as Nvidia Corp. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2026 That includes a new central computing rack made up of central processing units (CPUs) rather than the graphics processing units (GPUs) Nvidia has been known for. Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for central processing unit

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of central processing unit was in 1956

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Cite this Entry

“Central processing unit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/central%20processing%20unit. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

central processing unit

noun
: CPU

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