personal computer

noun

: a general-purpose computer equipped with a microprocessor and designed to run especially commercial software (such as a word processor or Internet browser) for an individual user

called also PC

Examples of personal computer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many astronomers are accustomed to downloading data from Hubble and Webb onto personal computers. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 Analysts pointed to worries about its sales of personal computers, as well as how higher prices for computer memory and other commodities are pressuring its profit margins. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Gates became one of the richest people on the planet as a key player during last century’s personal computer revolution. — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 Just like when personal computers came out, but there’s a fantastic book by um, George Lakoff and Rafael Núñez about math and where ideas in math come from, via metaphors. — Quanta Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for personal computer

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of personal computer was in 1959

Rhymes for personal computer

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Browse Nearby Words

personal best
personal computer
personal covenant
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Cite this Entry

“Personal computer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/personal%20computer. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

personal computer

noun
: a small general-purpose computer with a microprocessor

More from Merriam-Webster on personal computer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about personal computer

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