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

The laptop version of the RTX 5070 shares little in common with the desktop version of the same card, which comes with 12GB of RAM instead of 8GB and 6,144 shader cores instead of 4,608. —Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2025

The gameplay was extremely fast-paced, with a relatively quick time to kill and very smooth frame rate — while also looking fantastic on my RTX 5090 desktop. —Anshel Sag, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Adjective

Framework is finally entering the desktop PC space; the same DIY space that inspired Framework Laptops to begin with. —Jason Evangelho, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

While that weight is fine for a desktop replacement laptop, picking it up in tablet mode is like hefting an anchor. —Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 17 July 2025

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