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

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Skyrocketing demand for central processing units, and their graphics processing unit counterparts that underpin large language models, has boosted chip stocks to records. Samantha Subin, CNBC, 12 May 2026 Former business rivals, including Nvidia Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang, have started talking about how central processing units, Intel’s main product, will play a major role in the artificial intelligence data center. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 May 2026 The first version demonstrated that customizing hardware for AI workloads using systolic arrays and lower-precision arithmetic was 30 to 80 times more energy-efficient than contemporary central processing units (CPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs) were. Time, 5 May 2026 Demand for Intel’s central processing units (CPU) chips, which are based on its longstanding x86 architecture, is booming, the company said. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 24 Apr. 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 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

central processing unit

noun
: CPU

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