desktop

1 of 2

noun

desk·​top ˈdesk-ˌtäp 

1

: the top surface of a desk

also : an area or window on a computer screen in which icons are arranged in a manner analogous to objects on top of a desk

2

: a desktop computer

desktop

2 of 2

adjective

: of a size that can be conveniently used on a desk or table

desktop computers

compare laptop see also desktop publishing

Examples of desktop in a Sentence

Noun

The desktop was covered with books and stacks of papers.

He created a new folder on his desktop.

Adjective

She is working on a desktop video project.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Residents can also download the ISeeChange app or access it on their desktop to both report flooding issues and see other local flood issues reported by their neighbors. —Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025

Try a personalized mug or a desktop barometer. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 11 Nov. 2025

Adjective

Previously, Copilot Pro cost $20/month on top of existing subscriptions, and to use it in desktop Office apps, customers also needed a separate Microsoft 365 Personal ($6.99/month) or Family ($9.99/month) plan — bringing the total to roughly $27–$30/month. —Kevin Williams, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025

Most important, both configurations sport a desktop-style discrete GeForce RTX 5060 Ti card. —PC Magazine, 19 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1925, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1958, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing desktop

• desktop publishing

Rhymes for desktop

• atop
• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop
• bookshop
• clatsop
• eavesdrop
• estop
• hardtop
• hilltop
• laptop

Kids Definition

desktop

1 of 2 noun

desk·​top ˈdesk-ˌtäp 

1

a

: the top of a desk

b

: an area on a computer screen in which items are arranged as if on top of a desk

2

: a desktop computer

desktop

2 of 2 adjective

: of a size that is suitable for use on a desk or table

a desktop computer