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

The beta is available on desktop and iOS for SuperGrok Heavy, Cursor Ultra, and Cursor Teams Premium subscribers. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026

The beta version of Driven is available through iOS, Android, desktop computers and connected TVs. — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Many people who are attempting to cut back on their Instagram use remove the app from their phone and use only the desktop-computer version, which is clunkier and less comfortable to scroll through for hours. — Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026

Apple iPad Mini Deal The Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro) forces desktop-class processing power into an ultraportable form factor by combining the advanced A17 Pro processor with local Apple Intelligence generation tools. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 3 July 2026

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