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

"In just a few minutes on a laptop, the methods developed allow us to determine whether a GBS experiment is outputting the correct answer and what errors, if any, are present."

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The program funded a two-week East Coast college tour this year and provided him with a laptop for his applications.

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Local media reported on Saturday that investigators were combing through several laptops and mobile phones they had seized from his flat during their search.

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The company said shoppers across income groups are spending on new laptops, videogame consoles and cellphones.

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The hearing was told that Richards had not returned a laptop he was provided, as requested, during an internal investigation.

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Related Words

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