Definitions
01computer screen
A2 · Elementary Countable noun Computing
n. the main screen you see on your computer where your icons and folders are kept.
n. the primary graphical user interface of an operating system, typically serving as a workspace for icons, windows, and background wallpaper.
“I saved the document to my desktop so I could find it easily later.”
“The user had so many shortcuts cluttered across the desktop that the background wallpaper was barely visible.”
02type of computer
A2 · Elementary Countable noun Computing
n. a computer that is designed to stay in one place on a desk, rather than a laptop.
n. a personal computer designed for regular use at a single location on or near a desk due to its size and power requirements.
“He prefers using a desktop for gaming because it has a larger screen.”
“While laptops offer portability, a high-end desktop remains the preferred choice for video editing and complex 3D rendering tasks.”
Synonyms
03surface of a desk
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. the flat top part of a desk where you work.
n. the upper horizontal surface of a desk.
日本語:卓上※
“She cleared her desktop of all the old papers before starting the new project.”
“The executive's mahogany desktop was polished to a high shine, reflecting the lamp light in the dim office.”
Synonyms
04designed for a computer
B2 · Upper Intermediate Computing
adj. describes a version of a website or software made for a computer instead of a phone.
adj. relating to a version of an application or website designed to be viewed on a personal computer rather than a mobile device.
“The mobile app is okay, but the desktop version has many more features.”
“The developers prioritised the desktop experience, ensuring that the complex data tables were fully legible on larger monitors.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “desktop” in context.
Verb
01. clear the desktop
“Before starting the new project, she cleared the desktop to create a more focused workspace.”
verb + noun
02. clutter the desktop
“Dozens of unused icons and temporary files began to clutter the desktop, making it hard to find important documents.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. cluttered desktop
“A cluttered desktop can be a major distraction when you are trying to meet a tight deadline.”
adj + noun
04. virtual desktop
“Power users often utilize a virtual desktop to separate their personal browsing from their professional tasks.”
adj + noun
Noun
05. desktop computer
“Despite the popularity of tablets, many gamers still prefer a powerful desktop computer for its superior performance.”
noun + noun
06. desktop publishing
“The advent of desktop publishing allowed small businesses to produce professional-quality brochures in-house.”
noun + noun
07. desktop shortcut
“I created a desktop shortcut so I could launch the application with a single click.”
noun + noun
Preposition
08. on the desktop
“Please save the final version of the report directly on the desktop for easy access.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“His workplace was also examined, and gardaí seized his desktop computer.” “The site, which can be accessed on desktop or as a mobile app, has over 200 million monthly active users, and is popular with gamers.” Etymology
From desk + top.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/desktop
‘외래어’ data: 한국어기초사전 (국립국어원), CC BY-SA 2.0 KR
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0