desktop

[ desk-top ]

adjective

1. small or compact enough to fit or be used on a desk:

   a desktop calendar.

noun

1. the surface of a desk.
2. Computers.
   1. Also called desktop computer. a computer that is not portable, often consisting of a CPU, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Compare laptop.
   2. the primary display screen of a graphical user interface, on which various icons represent files, groups of files, programs, or the like, which can be moved, accessed, added to, put away, or thrown away in ways analogous to the handling of file folders, documents, notes, etc., on a real desk.

desktop

/ ˈdɛskˌtɒp /

noun

1. the main screen display on a personal computer, from which windows may be opened and programs run
2. modifier denoting a computer system, esp for word processing, that is small enough to use at a desk

Word History and Origins

Origin of desktop¹

First recorded in 1925–30; desk + top ¹

Example Sentences

Mr Mukhopadhyay slipped from his study, where scammers were surveilling him on his desktop, and confided briefly with his wife.

From BBC

They convinced the 52-year-old to install a remote desktop application which they said would allow them to protect the account.

From BBC

The desktop PCs can also be booked and used by members of the public if they have a valid library card.

From BBC

It was designed to help people find things they had looked at or worked on previously by searching through desktop screenshots taken every few seconds.

From BBC

Jot has the ability to jump between the 2D world of its pages and the 3D world outside - a cluttered desktop where everyday objects become towering obstacles for the tiny character to navigate.

From BBC