laptop

1 of 2

adjective

lap·​top ˈlap-ˌtäp How to pronounce laptop (audio)
: of a size and design that makes operation and use on one's lap convenient compare desktop

laptop

2 of 2

noun

variants or less commonly laptop computer
plural laptops also laptop computers
: a portable computer having its main components (such as processor, keyboard, and display screen) integrated into a single unit capable of battery-powered operation

Examples of laptop in a Sentence

Noun He uses a laptop for business when he travels.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Whether paired with a modern smartphone, laptop or handheld gaming device, the M260 is designed to bridge the gap between generations of audio design by offering a timeless look with modern performance levels. — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 8 May 2026 Look for one with a padded laptop sleeve for your tablet or e-reader loaded with scripts, episode guides, or location maps. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
As the brief ceremony ends, Alice gives Nora the USB drive from Jay Easton’s laptop and informs her that there’s a video of her on it. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026 According to the report, the South Korean government compelled Coupang to hire divers for a covert mission to retrieve a laptop used in the breach by a disgruntled former employee — who is a Chinese national — from a river in Shanghai. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for laptop

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1984, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of laptop was in 1984

Phrases Containing laptop

Rhymes for laptop

See All Rhymes for laptop

Browse Nearby Words

Laptev Sea
laptop
La Puente
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Laptop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laptop. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

laptop

1 of 2 adjective
lap·​top -ˌtäp How to pronounce laptop (audio)
: of a size and design that makes use on one's lap convenient

laptop

2 of 2 noun
: a portable computer that is small enough to use on one's lap, has its main components (as keyboard and display screen) combined in one unit, and can run on battery power
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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