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
: 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
The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 24 May 2024
After speaking with an expert, however, O’Shea learned that his team had found rare pieces of technology history: a 1972 Q1 desktop microcomputer with an internal printer and a 1976 Q1 Lite with an external companion printer.
—Aaron Boorstein, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for desktop 
Noun
Indeed, high-end desktop CPUs routinely have dozens of cores.
—The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 24 May 2024
After speaking with an expert, however, O’Shea learned that his team had found rare pieces of technology history: a 1972 Q1 desktop microcomputer with an internal printer and a 1976 Q1 Lite with an external companion printer.
—Aaron Boorstein, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for desktop
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'desktop.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near desktop
Cite this Entry
“Desktop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desktop. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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