personal computer
Americannoun
noun
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A computer built around a microprocessor for use by an individual. Personal computers have their own operating systems, software, and peripherals, and can generally be linked to networks.
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Compare mainframe
Etymology
Origin of personal computer
First recorded in 1975–80
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On Wednesday, Microsoft and Nvidia unveiled the Surface Laptop Ultra, a personal computer the companies say is designed for artificial-intelligence workloads.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 7, 2026
Generative AI is being incorporated into the workplace at a rapid pace, as fast as the personal computer and faster than the internet was.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg called Monday for lower barriers for open source AI, as his company introduced a new model that can run on a personal computer.
From Barron's ● Aug. 10, 2026
Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak soon founded Apple and developed the first mass-market personal computer to reach consumers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026
In the 1970s, no educationist would have predicted the explosion in universal written communication caused by the personal computer, the internet and the key-pad of the mobile phone.
From "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Author
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