home computer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Less common (primarily historical, or used for specific contrast with work/mobile devices)Informal, historical, somewhat dated.
Quick answer
What does “home computer” mean?
A personal computer designed for regular use at a single location in a person's home, typically for non-professional activities like entertainment, education, and personal communication.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A personal computer designed for regular use at a single location in a person's home, typically for non-professional activities like entertainment, education, and personal communication.
Historically, the term specifically referred to the wave of relatively affordable, often 8-bit microcomputers popular in the late 1970s and 1980s (e.g., Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro). Today, the term can denote any computing device primarily used for personal/family tasks in a domestic setting, though the phrase itself has declined in frequency.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. The specific historical models referenced might differ culturally (e.g., ZX Spectrum is a stronger cultural reference in the UK, Apple II in the US).
Connotations
In both varieties, it evokes a specific historical period. Slightly more likely to be used in British English when making a deliberate contrast with a work computer.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties as a standalone term; 'computer', 'PC', 'laptop', or 'desktop' are more common.
Grammar
How to Use “home computer” in a Sentence
have/own/use a home computerdo something on the home computerset up/configure a home computerthe home computer is used for + noun/-ingVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in historical discussions of the PC industry or market segmentation (e.g., 'the home computer market of the 80s').
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or media studies contexts discussing technology adoption and its domestic impact.
Everyday
Used to specify the location/primary use of a computer, often in contrast ('I'll finish the report on my work laptop, but I play games on the home computer').
Technical
Not a standard technical category in modern IT; terms like 'client machine', 'end-user device', or specific hardware types are preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “home computer”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “home computer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “home computer”
- Using 'home computer' to refer to any personal computer, even a work laptop used at home (the term implies a device *dedicated* to home use).
- Capitalising it as a proper noun (e.g., 'Home Computer') unless starting a sentence or part of a historical product name.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, if it is primarily used and kept at home for personal/family activities. However, the term 'home computer' traditionally suggests a stationary setup (desktop), and 'laptop' is a more precise modern term.
Because computers are now ubiquitous and multi-functional. The distinction between a 'home' and 'work' computer has blurred with portable devices, and 'computer', 'PC', 'laptop', or 'tablet' are more common generic terms.
Iconic models include the Commodore 64, Apple II, ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro, Atari 800, and the Amiga. These were central to the 'home computer revolution'.
It is not recommended for contemporary technical or business writing. Use more precise terms like 'personal computer (PC)', 'desktop computer', or 'domestic user device'. The term is acceptable in historical or sociological contexts.
A personal computer designed for regular use at a single location in a person's home, typically for non-professional activities like entertainment, education, and personal communication.
Home computer: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhəʊm kəmˈpjuː.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhoʊm kəmˈpjuː.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The home computer revolution (historical phrase)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HOME is where the COMPUTER stays – think of a desktop PC that doesn't travel, used for hobbies and home life.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HOME IS A HUB FOR DIGITAL ACTIVITY (the computer as the central tool in this hub).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of the term 'home computer' in modern usage?