laptop

American  

[lap-top] / ˈlæpˌtɒp /

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.

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laptop British  

/ ˈlæpˌtɒp /

noun

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

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laptop Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of laptop

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

Example Sentences

It requires the audience to bring their own bad vibes to shots of religious icons on the wall and long takes of Evy clacking on her laptop, unaware of a flickering light behind her.

From Los Angeles Times

From scrolling through social media platforms on our phones to reading articles on our tablets and completing work on our laptops, there’s almost a countless number of ways we transmit and share data online.

From Salon

We spend the majority of our time connected to the internet these days, whether it’s through our mobile device, tablet or laptop.

From Salon

Rapidly changing technology is already pushing up hardware costs for smartphones and laptops.

From The Wall Street Journal

One simple Google search of the laptop populates a collection of rave reviews from people who have gotten their hands on the device before it officially becomes available on Wednesday.

From Barron's

Related Words

• PC
• data processor
• desktop computer
• personal computer