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

He is now at the helm of a £564m UK empire selling a host of big and small household appliances from TVs, laptops and phones, to fridge freezers, washing machines, kettles and toasters.

From BBC

I was being offered a portion of a potentially large amount of money if I helped cyber criminals access BBC systems through my laptop.

From BBC

The source said that the White House had its own laptop and U.N. technicians were not in the booth for the president’s address.

From Los Angeles Times

A UN official later told the BBC the White House was operating the teleprompter at the time, bringing their own laptops and plugging them into the UN's system.

From BBC

The idea for his personal Kitchen Video, a micro version of an old-school video store, came to him one day as he was working on his laptop at his kitchen table.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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