Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Computing) The primary screen display in a graphical user interface (GUI): The visual workspace on a computer screen that serves as the background for icons, windows, and other graphical elements.
   • The top surface of a desk: The flat, horizontal working area of a desk.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Computing):
  • I saved the file directly to my desktop for easy access.
  • You can rearrange the icons on your desktop.
• Noun (Furniture):
  • Her desktop was cluttered with papers and pens.
  • The new desk has a very spacious wooden desktop.

Advanced Usage

• "Desktop environment": In computing, this refers to the complete graphical user interface and suite of applications provided by an operating system.
  • He prefers the KDE desktop environment for its customization options.
• "Desktop computer": A personal computer designed to be used at a single, stationary location on or near a desk.
  • For video editing, a powerful desktop computer is often better than a laptop.

Variants and Related Words

• Desktop (adjective): Pertaining to equipment (like a computer) suitable for use on a desk.
  • A desktop printer.
• Desktop publishing (noun): The production of printed matter using a desktop computer and specialized software.
  • She used desktop publishing software to design the newsletter.

Synonyms

• GUI workspace (for the computing sense).
• Workspace (for the computing sense).
• Tabletop, work surface (for the furniture sense).

Related Phrases

• "Clear your desktop": Can mean to tidy the physical desk surface or to organize/remove icons from the computer screen.
  • I need to clear my desktop before I can start this new project.
• "Desktop shortcut": An icon on the computer desktop that provides quick access to a file, folder, or program.
  • Create a desktop shortcut for the application you use most often.

Noun

1. (computer science) the area of the screen in graphical user interfaces against which icons and windows appear
2. the top of a desk