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
Colleen McCain Nelson, Sacramento Bee, 26 June 2024
Our value pick in air purifiers is $90 off today—pair it with this $20 desktop fan our readers find to be a refreshing reprieve from the summer heat.
—Sara Beth Bolin, USA TODAY, 25 June 2024
PCMAG, 6 Feb. 2024
Making matters worse, fewer people have this hardware due to the general shift from desktop computers to laptops.
—Andy Patrizio, Ars Technica, 11 July 2023
See all Example Sentences for desktop 
Noun
Bold design and intuitive navigation that give you a pleasing reading experience on all devices — desktop computer, laptop, phone and tablet.
—Colleen McCain Nelson, Sacramento Bee, 26 June 2024
Our value pick in air purifiers is $90 off today—pair it with this $20 desktop fan our readers find to be a refreshing reprieve from the summer heat.
—Sara Beth Bolin, USA TODAY, 25 June 2024
Adjective
There are also desktop clients for Linux, Mac, and Windows, plus apps for Android and iOS.
—PCMAG, 6 Feb. 2024
Making matters worse, fewer people have this hardware due to the general shift from desktop computers to laptops.
—Andy Patrizio, Ars Technica, 11 July 2023
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 7 Jul. 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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