laptop
/ˈlæp.tɒp/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A laptop is a small, portable computer with a screen and keyboard. You can use it on your lap, a desk, or anywhere with power or battery.
- I wrote the report on my laptop.
- Her laptop battery dies quickly.
- He carries his laptop to class.
Adinary Nuance
A laptop is more specific than a computer. It usually means a portable personal computer, while computer can also mean a desktop or any computing device. It is closer to notebook in everyday use, but laptop is the more common word in many places.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- máy tính xách tay
- Spanish
- portátil
- Chinese
- 笔记本电脑
- Japanese
- ノートパソコン
- Korean
- 노트북
Etymology
Laptop is a compound of lap and top. It appeared in English in the late 20th century, when portable computers became common.
Common phrases
laptop baglaptop screenlaptop batterylaptop charger
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is laptop the same as notebook?
- Yes, in everyday English, they often mean the same thing.
- Is laptop a formal word?
- Yes, it is neutral and common in both speech and writing.
- Can I say a laptop computer?
- Yes, but laptop is usually enough.