'''Pentium''' is an extended family of [[x86]] [[microprocessor]]s developed by [[Intel]] since 1992. Pentium served as Intel mid-to-high end line of processors until the introduction of the {{intel|Core}} family in 2006. Current Pentium processors are considered entry-level processors or second-tier, below the higher-end {{intel|Core|Core line}}, but above the low-end {{intel|Celeron|Celeron family}}. Pentium is Intel's longest serving family of processors.

Following [[Intel]]'s previous microprocessor series ({{intel|8086|86}}, {{intel|80286|286}}, {{intel|80386|386}}, and {{intel|80486|486}}), this family was set to become the 586. In an attempt to weed out the competition who were selling Intel-compatible clones, Intel filed to trademark the 586. Unfortunately, the generic numbering of the series caused its registration to be denied. In pursue after a fitting brand name they could trademark, [[wikipedia:Lexicon Branding|Lexicon Branding]] suggested they consider a name ending in "''-ium''". The ''-ium'' suffix connoted something scientific in nature (e.g. an element on the [[wikipedia:periodic table|periodic table]]). Their research also indicated ''pent-'' connoted strength and power (e.g. Pentagon). ''pent-'' is also similar to ''penta-'' meaning 5, denoting 5th generation x86.  The "Pentium" trademark was filed on July 2, 1992.

Pentium served as Intel's mid-to-high end family of processors well into the 2000s. When the {{intel|Core}} family was introduced in 2006, Pentium was bumped down to entry level processors and consequently also bumped down {{intel|Celeron}} to low-end processors. Pentium is still presently a line of entry-level processors. In 2014 Intel released the ''Pentium 20th Anniversary Edition'' commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Pentium family.