desktop
3 synonyms for desktop, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The flat top surface of a desk.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use desktop
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
desktop computer
desktop wallpaper
desktop version
Etymology
A compound of "desk" and "top," first used for computers in the 1980s to describe machines meant to sit on an office desk.
Full origin of desktop →Frequently asked questions
What does “desktop” mean?
The word “desktop” means the flat top surface of a desk. In plain terms, the surface of a desk, or a personal computer and its main screen.
How do you pronounce “desktop”?
“Desktop” is pronounced DEHSK-top ([ˈdɛskˌtɑp] in IPA).
How do you use “desktop” in a sentence?
Here is “desktop” used in a sentence: “He cleared everything off the desktop before the meeting.”
What part of speech is “desktop”?
Depending on how it is used, “desktop” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “desktop” come from?
The word “desktop” dates back to around 1980. A compound of "desk" and "top," first used for computers in the 1980s to describe machines meant to sit on an office desk.
Is “desktop” a common word?
“Desktop” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “desktop” have?
“Desktop” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the flat top surface of a desk.
What is the difference between a desktop and a laptop?
A desktop is a computer designed to sit on a desk and usually stays in one place, with a separate monitor, keyboard, and tower. A laptop is a portable computer with those parts built into one folding unit that you can carry around.
What is the difference between the desktop and mobile version of a website?
A desktop version is designed for use on a personal computer with a larger screen and a mouse, while a mobile version is optimised for the smaller touchscreens of phones. The desktop layout usually shows more content at once.
Why is a physical desk surface also called a desktop?
"Desktop" literally means the flat top surface of a desk. The computing sense borrowed this word for the main on-screen workspace and for computers that sit on a desk, extending the original meaning.
