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

Researchers typically devise decoding algorithms that run either on CPU’s, Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), or a field-programmable gate array to analyze these syndromes and then apply a correction to the computation. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026

In addition to the central processor (CPU), the new Qualcomm chipsets also include a graphics processing unit (GPU) as well as a neural processing unit (NPU) to handle AI workloads, which can handle agents running in the background. — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

As for internal components—things like the CPU, graphics card, and SSD—there’s no contest. — Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026

The first is the new S11 chip, which features a secure exclave for microphone data processing on top of a faster CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine. — Victoria Song, The Verge, 17 Sep. 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