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

Previously, Korean patrons were setting up remote offices in Starbucks outlets, even bringing desktop computers and printers. — Jay Ganglani, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

NordPass offers browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, and Safari, mobile apps for Android and iOS, and desktop applications for Linux, macOS, and Windows. — Kim Key, PC Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026

Adjective

These laptops blend power-efficient Arm chips with desktop-class GPU capabilities in thin-and-light designs, providing power that exceeds gaming rigs and workstations in some aspects. — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026

The chip has two desktop-class super cores that operate 20% faster than those within the current iPhone 17 Pro. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 9 Sep. 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