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

In some cases, users brush the touchpad when typing, causing the mouse cursor to move.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2023

She chided the government over the dolphin touchpad and the pig video game, which she dubbed “Swinecraft” after the popular game Minecraft.

From Washington Times • Mar. 14, 2023

His finger dragged across the touchpad, bringing to life a video that took over his whole screen.

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