What does laptop mean?
A laptop is a portable personal computer with a hinged screen and built-in keyboard, designed to be carried and used away from a fixed desk. Its name originally referred to the machine’s intended position on the user’s lap, and “laptop” has become the standard everyday term for this class of device in both British and American English. The word is now neutral and familiar across work, education, travel, and personal communication, although it can sound slightly informal in formal writing compared with “portable computer.” A laptop may be used as a verb, usually informally, meaning to use or work on one, though noun use dominates. The term is especially useful when distinguishing a self-contained computer from a desktop tower, a tablet, or a phone. Despite its compact form, a modern laptop can perform many tasks formerly associated with larger machines, which explains why the once-specific label became a familiar universal category.
A portable personal computer, typically with a hinged screen and built-in keyboard, small and light enough to be carried and used while moving.
"My laptop has a full keyboard and a high-resolution display."
This is the dominant modern use of the word and is standard in formal and informal contexts.
To use or work on a laptop computer.
"He laptopped in the café while waiting for the flight."
This use is informal and relatively uncommon, especially outside conversational or computing contexts.
The regular plural adds -s and is used for multiple portable computers.
"The company issued new laptops to all remote employees."
“Laptop” was once a design promise: a computer you could use in your lap.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of laptop
The compound “laptop” emerged in the 1980s and was sometimes written “lap-top,” referring to a portable computer intended to rest on the user’s lap. Its components are older English words: “lap” continues Old English lappa, while “top” continues Old English topp. Related forms include “lapel” and “lapper” from the “lap” element and “topmost” from “top.”
Related word forms
How laptop is actually used
As a noun, laptop is standard, neutral everyday English. As a verb, it is relatively uncommon and informal; “use a laptop” or “work on a laptop” is usually more natural.