laptop
LAP-top
Laptop (noun) means a portable personal computer, small and light enough to use on your lap. Example: “The students shared one laptop while they finished their group project.”
noun
1
A portable personal computer, small and light enough to use on your lap.
"The students shared one laptop while they finished their group project."
"She works from cafés with just her laptop and a coffee."
"He forgot to pack his laptop charger for the trip."
How to use laptop
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small, portable computer you can use on your knees, unlike a bulky desktop.
Common pairings
laptop bag
laptop charger
open a laptop
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Word forms
- Plural
- laptops
- Third person singular
- laptops
- Past tense
- laptoped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The students shared one _____ while they finished their group project.
Etymology
From "lap" (the upper legs when seated) plus "top," coined by analogy with "desktop."
Synonyms
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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.
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