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 headliner specs on it are an 8,000-mAh battery, 45-W fast-charging, a MediaTek Dimensity 7025 CPU, 12 GB of RAM, 512 GB of internal storage, and microSD expansion up to 2 TB. — Joe Salas july 26, New Atlas, 27 July 2026

The current demand for all sorts of tech will sustain the CPU. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 26 July 2026

VoidTech estimates that around 25% of the CPU's performance was consumed by the x86-to-Arm translation layer, which makes these kinds of setups viable. — Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026

This is similar to the central processing unit (CPU) in a conventional computer. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 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