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

To offer the service, Phia is building an in-house search engine (available on both desktop and as an iOS app) with the help of top talent like eBay and Pinterest alumni. —Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

The iCraft uses 12×12-inch (30x30-cm) mats just like Cricut and Silhouette desktop cutters, so once again, the market is wide open. —New Atlas, 29 Jan. 2026

Adjective

Mobile chips struggled under sustained workloads, display standards were fragmented, and running desktop-grade software on a phone felt more like a workaround than an organic solution. —New Atlas, 23 Jan. 2026

For organizations evaluating desktop agents, the security calculus differs from traditional software. —Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 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