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.
PeopleSoft grew like gangbusters, went public in 1992, and reached new heights as all of enterprise technology shifted away from the mainframe and toward personal computers networked to a common server. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026 After resurrecting iconic consoles like the 2600 and Mattel’s Intellivision, Atari is relaunching one of the brand’s personal computers that originally debuted 43 years ago. — Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 8 Oct. 2026 The company also said its preliminary assumption is that industrywide personal computer unit volumes will fall by mid-single digits in percentage terms for the calendar year 2027 versus 2026. — Darla Mercado, Cfp®,ananya Chetia, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026 So this is a pretty big contrast from about 25 years ago when Americans had a generally positive view of technology with advancements in personal computers and the internet. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 Sep. 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 20 Oct. 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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