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

There's a mobile app (Android/iOS) and a desktop app (Windows only), but honestly, who wants more apps bloating their already bloated app ecosystem? — Joe Salas july 07, New Atlas, 8 July 2026

When podcasting began approximately 20 years, people listened by manually downloading audio files to their desktop computers using feed readers or dedicated catchers like iPodder. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Adjective

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

The first is a desktop smart display resembling a compact home assistant screen. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 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