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

This seems to happen both on mobile and desktop devices. —Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025

The rise of data centers As society traded large desktop computers for sleek laptops and internet infrastructure began supporting AI models and other software tools, the United States has built the physical infrastructure to support growing computing power. —Paige Gross, Baltimore Sun, 14 Apr. 2025

Adjective

Then the men sat down at desktop computers, opened their Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and began to type. —Natalie Proulx, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025

And with Bluetooth wireless onboard, desktop PC audio systems often take on the role of wireless music streamers as well. —Brad Moon, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

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