# laptop

/ˈɫæpˌtɑp/ (US) · /lˈæptɒp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/laptop
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. portable computer

noun · CEFR A2

a portable computer that has a screen and keyboard attached together.

For teachers: a portable personal computer featuring an integrated screen and keyboard, designed for use in varied locations.

- She opened her laptop in the café to finish her homework.
- The executive carried a lightweight laptop to every meeting, ensuring she had immediate access to the company's cloud-based analytics.

### 2. designed for the lap

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

describes something small enough to be used on your lap.

For teachers: denoting an item of equipment designed to be small and light enough for use on a person's lap.

- The store sells various laptop accessories like bags and mice.
- Early laptop designs were significantly bulkier than modern tablets, often weighing several kilograms despite their portable classification.

## Examples

- I take my laptop to the café to work.
- She opened her laptop on the train to finish the report before the meeting started.
- While desktop computers offer more power for the price, most professionals prefer a high-end laptop for the flexibility of working from different locations without losing access to their files.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.