laptop
4 synonyms for laptop, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A portable personal computer, small and light enough to use on your lap.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use laptop
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
laptop bag
laptop charger
open a laptop
Etymology
From "lap" (the upper legs when seated) plus "top," coined by analogy with "desktop."
Full origin of laptop →Frequently asked questions
What does “laptop” mean?
The word “laptop” means a portable personal computer, small and light enough to use on your lap. In plain terms, a small, portable computer you can use on your knees, unlike a bulky desktop.
How do you pronounce “laptop”?
“Laptop” is pronounced LAP-top (/ˈlæp.tɑp/ in IPA).
How do you use “laptop” in a sentence?
Here is “laptop” used in a sentence: “She works from cafés with just her laptop and a coffee.”
What part of speech is “laptop”?
“Laptop” is a noun.
Is “laptop” a common word?
“Laptop” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a laptop and a desktop?
A laptop is a portable, all-in-one computer with a built-in screen, keyboard, and battery, while a desktop is a stationary computer made of separate components that stays in one place. Laptops trade some power and upgradeability for portability.
What is the difference between a laptop and a notebook?
A notebook is essentially a type of laptop, historically referring to especially thin and light models, though today the two terms are used interchangeably. Both are portable personal computers small enough to use on your lap.
What is the difference between a laptop and a tablet?
A laptop has a physical keyboard and a full operating system built for productivity, while a tablet is a lighter touchscreen device that is usually less powerful. Some hybrid "2-in-1" devices combine features of both.
Is laptop one word or two?
Laptop is written as one word. It comes from the idea of a computer small and light enough to sit on your lap, but the compound is not hyphenated or split in modern usage.
