touchpad

American

[tuhch-pad] / ˈtʌtʃˌpæd /

noun

Computers.

a computer input device for controlling the pointer on a display screen by sliding the finger along a touch-sensitive surface: used chiefly in laptop computers.

Etymology

Origin of touchpad

First recorded in 1990–95; touch ( def. ) + pad ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And you just hold the touchpad, speak and release.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 8, 2025

So close was the margin, Richards said he felt as though he had touched first but not applied enough pressure to the finishing touchpad for it to register initially.

From BBC • Jul. 29, 2024

This feature-rich system can be operated via a touchscreen, natural voice commands or touchpad controls.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 21, 2023

The design layout includes on the face a loud built-in speaker, large touchpad, directional pad, four action buttons, a pair of interchangeable thumbsticks and a PS, mute, create and option button.

From Washington Times • Nov. 26, 2022

But she moved over beside Finn and clicked the touchpad a few times.

From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023