desktop

American  

[desk-top] / ˈdɛskˌtɒp /

adjective

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

   a desktop calendar.

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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.

   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 British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of desktop

First recorded in 1925–30; desk + top ¹

Example Sentences

My biggest question is whether an iPhone chip is powerful enough for desktop work.

From The Wall Street Journal

Varda makes automated labs that look like cylindrical desktop speakers, which it sends into orbit in capsules and satellite platforms it also builds.

From Los Angeles Times

Apple is adding more manufacturing at the site, planning to turn an empty warehouse there into an assembly line to make Mac Mini desktop computers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Apple’s smallest and most affordable desktop computer will soon be produced in the U.S., a step toward fulfilling the company’s investing commitment.

From Barron's

It is popular among app developers writing software for Apple products, and more recently among people looking to run AI agent software from their desktop.

From The Wall Street Journal