desktop
Desktop (noun) means the flat top surface of a desk. Example: “He cleared everything off the desktop before the meeting.”
How to use desktop
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe surface of a desk, or a personal computer and its main screen.
Word forms
desktops plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He cleared everything off the _____ before the meeting.
Etymology
A compound of "desk" and "top," first used for computers in the 1980s to describe machines meant to sit on an office desk.
Synonyms
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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.
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