desktop

1 of 2

noun

desk·​top ˈdesk-ˌtäp How to pronounce desktop (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Its optical pickup is designed to work in both desktop and vertical positions, while anti-shock buffering provides 40 seconds of protection for audio CDs and up to 120 seconds for MP3 files. — New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2026 OpenAI recently launched ChatGPT Work, a task-completion agent, and merged the standalone Codex app into the ChatGPT desktop app. — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Apple iPad Mini Deal The Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro) forces desktop-class processing power into an ultraportable form factor by combining the advanced A17 Pro processor with local Apple Intelligence generation tools. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 3 July 2026 The first is a desktop smart display resembling a compact home assistant screen. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for desktop

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1925, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of desktop was in 1925

Phrases Containing desktop

Rhymes for desktop

See All Rhymes for desktop

Browse Nearby Words

desk shoe
desktop
desktop publishing
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Desktop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desktop. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

desktop

1 of 2 noun
desk·​top ˈdesk-ˌtäp How to pronounce desktop (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on desktop

Nglish: Translation of desktop for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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