desktop

play

noun desk·top \ ˈdesk-ˌtäp \

Definition of desktop

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

See desktop defined for English-language learners

See desktop defined for kids

Examples of desktop in a Sentence

The desktop was covered with books and stacks of papers.
He created a new folder on his desktop.

Recent Examples of desktop from the Web

Pukk can hold a device in place for use on a kitchen countertop, as a second screen next to a desktop computer, or as a standalone station for those who work primarily from their tablet, Kittlaus said.

— cheryl v. jackson, chicagotribune.com, "Pukk, a tablet stand inspired by that Pixar lamp, hits Kickstarter," 30 Aug. 2017
Vote for your favorite athlete on each fall sport on your desktop, the cincinnati.com Varsity App, mobile web or cincinnati.com App once a day.

— melanie laughman, Cincinnati.com, "Vote: Enquirer preps athletes of week, Aug. 14-20," 21 Aug. 2017
Globally, over 424,000 desktop 3D printers costing under $5,000 were purchased in 2016, according to Wohlers, an American consultancy.

— The Economist, "Model citizenThe spread of 3D models creates intellectual-property problems," 20 July 2017
Founded in 2013 by Russian brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov, Telegram is a free messaging service that can be used as a smartphone app and on computers through a web interface or desktop messenger.

— stephen wright, The Seattle Times, "Indonesia limits access to Telegram app, readies total ban," 15 July 2017
The concept gets an upgrade at Resource Furniture, where lacquered desktops fold (or bookcases rotate) to magically reveal a bed.

— marielle wakim, Los Angeles Magazine, "Best of LA: 92 of Our Favorite Things to Eat, Do, and Buy Right Now," 14 July 2017
The makeover is an All Star Legacy project, which also includes a spanking new center/game room for teens, complete with mini hoops court, desktop computers and an air hockey table.

— miamiherald, "ARod, Giancarlo Stanton team up before the big game," 11 July 2017
Results are available within about 3 minutes from a desktop computer, instead of several minutes or even hours, the study stated.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Immune-matching process improved, reports Human Longevity-led study," 9 July 2017
The Chicago Tribune’s front page press plate from when the Cubs won the 2016 World Series sits above his desktop computer.

— madeleine winer, The Courier-Journal, "Old meets new in this bachelor pad with skyline views of Louisville," 6 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'desktop.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of desktop

1925

desktop

adjective

Definition of desktop

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

desktop computers

— compare laptop

See desktop defined for English-language learners

Examples of desktop in a Sentence

She is working on a desktop video project.

Recent Examples of desktop from the Web

Long a popular feature on desktop devices, the ability to jack up the speed of videos is coming to the mobile app.

— jefferson graham, USA TODAY, "YouTube updates app, desktop experience," 29 Aug. 2017
Thus, this is a sort of two-pronged attack on Microsoft's (msft, -0.59%) cloud and desktop application business.

— barb darrow, Fortune, "What Google’s Deal With Marketo Means for Its Cloud Wars With Amazon and Microsoft," 24 Aug. 2017
Zooming in the 8th-gen Core CPU packaging at the top of those pages confirm two big questions about the desktop parts, as Nathan Kirsch at Legit Reviews first noticed.

— brad chacos, PCWorld, "Intel images confirm 6-core Core i7 desktop processors, new motherboard requirement," 21 Aug. 2017
Apps are available for all major mobile and desktop platforms.

— don edrington computer tutor, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Plethora of storage services," 21 July 2017
Skills in demand: Cleveland-area CIOs said the top skills their companies need are desktop support, wireless network management, Windows administration, business intelligence/reporting services and network administration.

— julie washington, cleveland.com, "IT workers in high demand regionally, says hiring trend report," 20 July 2017
Libby is available for desktop computers running Windows 10, as well as Android, Apple and Kindle devices.

— julie washington, cleveland.com, "OverDrive's app Libby puts a librarian on your phone," 27 June 2017
Desktop ad units, which currently sit at the top of the page, will soon appear in-line with feed.

— lara o’reilly, WSJ, "Reddit Looks to Lure Advertisers With Video and Redesign," 22 June 2017
Morton doesn’t see the company’s largely desktop-bound customer base disappearing any time soon, but better mobile products would hedge FlowPlay’s bets.

— matt day, The Seattle Times, "Amid tumult of video game business, Seattle game-maker FlowPlay abides," 9 June 2017

First Known Use of desktop

1958

DESKTOP Defined for English Language Learners

desktop

play

noun

Definition of desktop for English Language Learners

: the top surface of a desk
: a computer that is designed to be used on a desk or table : a desktop computer
: an area or window on a computer screen in which small pictures (called icons) are arranged like objects on top of a desk