laptop

1 of 2

adjective

lap·​top ˈlap-ˌtäp 

: of a size and design that makes operation and use on one's lap convenient compare desktop

laptop

2 of 2

noun

: a portable microcomputer having its main components (such as processor, keyboard, and display screen) integrated into a single unit capable of battery-powered operation

Examples of laptop in a Sentence

Noun

He uses a laptop for business when he travels.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Whether paired with a modern smartphone, laptop or handheld gaming device, the M260 is designed to bridge the gap between generations of audio design by offering a timeless look with modern performance levels. — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 8 May 2026

Look for one with a padded laptop sleeve for your tablet or e-reader loaded with scripts, episode guides, or location maps. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2026

Noun

In their final days together, Alexander said Beloozerov asked him to go to his office and return his laptop and security cards for him. — Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

While Silicon Valley has since moved on to shaping the future of artificial intelligence, these hardware enthusiasts are intent on saving the Atari, Commodore and IBM machines that are ancestors to today’s laptops, wearable devices and smartphones. — Terry Chea, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1984, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1984, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for laptop

• atop
• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop
• bookshop
• clatsop
• desktop
• eavesdrop
• estop
• hardtop
• hilltop

Kids Definition

laptop

1 of 2 adjective

lap·​top -ˌtäp 

: of a size and design that makes use on one's lap convenient

laptop

2 of 2 noun

: a portable computer that is small enough to use on one's lap, has its main components (as keyboard and display screen) combined in one unit, and can run on battery power