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

While some users might want to add their own cutting-edge external streaming device, the Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A55 CPU, an ARM Mali-G52 MC1 GPU, 2GB RAM, and 32 GB of ROM will keep things moving sufficiently. —Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

The details of each unit—CPU, memory, HDD size—are taken down and added to the asset tag, and the device is sent on to be physically examined. —ArsTechnica, 26 May 2025

The job posting is open now. CPU Circuit Design Engineer: $186,000-$263,000 a year Company: Intel Work type: Remote This position will work on full custom and memory circuits. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2025

For example, systems built on Grace Hopper deliver 7× higher throughput between CPU and GPU compared to standard architectures. —Janakiram Msv, Forbes, 23 Mar. 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