laptop

[ lap-top ]

noun

1. a portable computer, usually battery-powered, small enough to rest on the user's lap and having a screen that closes over the keyboard like a lid. Compare tablet ( def 5 ).

laptop

/ ˈlæpˌtɒp /

noun

1. a personal computer that is small and light enough to be operated on the user's lap Compare palmtop computer

laptop

1. A portable, compact personal computer that can run on a battery .

Word History and Origins

Origin of laptop¹

First recorded in 1980–85; lap ¹ + top ¹

Example Sentences

Now, after two months without electricity or the internet, she has her laptop open on the bed and is catching up with the news.

From BBC

There are “Wicked”-themed shoes, clothes, phone cases, laptop sleeves, luggage, candles, makeup palettes, jewelry, cups, office supplies, backpacks and hairdryers.

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier this week, with a voice full of emotion, she told the court her life had “stopped” when police first showed her photos from her father's laptop in 2020.

From BBC

This type of leaner LLM could be stored and accessed locally on a device like a phone or laptop and could provide performance nearly as accurate and nuanced as an uncompressed version.

From Science Daily

She was then asked by defence lawyers about partially naked images found on Dominique Pelicot's laptop of their daughter Caroline.

From BBC

Related Words

• data processor
• desktop computer
• PC
• personal computer