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.

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

The downside: He was working nonstop—especially after he got a laptop and cellphone.

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Apple is well-known for its sleek and modern-looking stores where people go to interact with their laptops and smartphones.

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“After five if I’m not by my laptop, I’m not by it,” he said.

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Researchers have now developed a way to analyze enormous cosmic data sets using only a laptop and a few hours of processing time.

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Items stolen from the Oakland museum included Native American baskets, jewelry, laptops, historic photographs and intricately carved ivory tusks.

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Related Words

• PC 
• data processor www.thesaurus.com
• desktop computer www.thesaurus.com
• personal computer