laptop
A laptop is a small, portable computer that you can easily carry and use on your lap.
Explanation at your level:
A laptop is a small computer. You can carry it in your bag. You can use it at home or at school. It has a screen and a keyboard. You can watch videos or write on it. It is very useful for you.
A laptop is a portable computer. It is small and light. You can put it on your lap or on a desk. Most people use a laptop for work or for playing games. It is battery-powered, so you can take it to a cafe or on a trip.
A laptop is a type of personal computer designed for portability. Because it integrates the screen, keyboard, and processor into one unit, it is much more convenient than a desktop computer. People often use laptops to work remotely or to study in libraries. It is a essential tool for modern communication.
The laptop has revolutionized the way we work and interact. By offering a mobile computing solution, it allows users to maintain productivity regardless of their location. Whether you are a student writing an essay or a professional attending a virtual meeting, the laptop is a versatile device that bridges the gap between home and office.
In the contemporary digital landscape, the laptop functions as a primary interface for information processing. Beyond its physical utility, the term often represents the 'mobile office' concept, embodying the shift towards flexible working arrangements. Its design is a triumph of ergonomic engineering, balancing power with portability to meet the high demands of modern software.
The evolution of the laptop reflects broader technological trends towards ubiquity and miniaturization. Etymologically, it is a straightforward compound, yet it signifies a massive cultural shift in human-computer interaction. From the early, cumbersome portable units to today's ultrabooks, the laptop has transitioned from a niche business tool to an indispensable extension of the individual, facilitating constant connectivity and cognitive expansion in a globalized society.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A portable computer.
- Battery-powered.
- Has a screen and keyboard.
- Essential for modern work.
A laptop is one of the most common pieces of technology in our modern lives. It is essentially a portable computer that packs everything a desktop has into one sleek, foldable package.
Because it runs on a battery, you are not tethered to a wall outlet. This makes it perfect for students, professionals, and travelers who need to stay connected while on the move. When you open the lid, you have your screen and keyboard ready to go, and when you are finished, you simply close it up to protect the hardware.
The word laptop is a compound noun, formed by combining lap and top. It literally describes a device designed to sit on top of one's lap.
The term became popular in the 1980s as computers began to shrink in size. Before this, computers filled entire rooms! The evolution from the bulky 'luggables' of the early 80s to the ultra-thin devices we use today is a fascinating journey of miniaturization and engineering brilliance.
You will hear people use the word laptop in almost every daily setting, from the office to the classroom. It is a very neutral, everyday term.
Common collocations include opening your laptop, closing your laptop, or carrying a laptop bag. In a professional environment, you might hear people discuss laptop specifications or laptop performance, showing that it is a standard tool for productivity.
While there aren't many ancient idioms featuring the word 'laptop', it has entered our modern vernacular. 1. Laptop lifestyle: Referring to people who work remotely from anywhere in the world. 2. Laptop warrior: Someone who spends a lot of time typing or working online. 3. On my laptop: Used to describe where a specific task is being performed. 4. Laptop-friendly: A space, like a cafe, that provides outlets and Wi-Fi. 5. Shut the laptop: A metaphorical way of saying 'I am finished working for the day'.
The word laptop is a countable noun. You can have one laptop or many laptops. It follows standard English pluralization rules by adding an 's'.
Pronunciation varies slightly between British and American English, but the stress is always on the first syllable: LAP-top. It rhymes with words like stop, drop, and pop.
Fun Fact
The term was coined in the early 1980s to distinguish these devices from 'desktop' computers.
Pronunciation Guide
Short 'a' sound followed by a clear 'o'.
Short 'a' sound followed by an open 'ah' sound.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the 'a' as 'e'
- Stressing the second syllable
- Adding an extra syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy to read
Easy to spell
Easy to pronounce
Clear sound
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Articles
a laptop
Countable Nouns
two laptops
Compound Nouns
laptop
Examples by Level
I have a new laptop.
I own a new computer.
Use 'a' with singular nouns.
My laptop is small.
The computer is not big.
Adjective placement.
He uses his laptop.
He is working on the computer.
Present simple tense.
Is this your laptop?
Asking about ownership.
Question structure.
The laptop is on the desk.
Location of the computer.
Preposition of place.
I need a laptop for school.
Purpose of the computer.
Preposition 'for'.
She closed her laptop.
She finished using it.
Past tense verb.
The laptop is very fast.
The computer works quickly.
Adverb 'very'.
I carry my laptop in my backpack.
My laptop battery is low.
Can I plug in my laptop here?
She bought a powerful laptop for gaming.
I left my laptop at home.
The laptop screen is broken.
He is watching a movie on his laptop.
My laptop is connected to the Wi-Fi.
I need to update the software on my laptop.
The laptop is lightweight and easy to travel with.
She spent all day working on her laptop.
Most modern laptops have built-in cameras.
I prefer using a mouse with my laptop.
The laptop overheated during the presentation.
He is looking for a budget-friendly laptop.
Don't forget to charge your laptop before the meeting.
The laptop offers a perfect balance of performance and portability.
I've been searching for a laptop that meets my specific requirements.
The company provided every employee with a high-end laptop.
Working from a laptop in a coffee shop has become a cultural norm.
The laptop's hard drive failed, but I had all my files backed up.
It is essential to keep your laptop updated to prevent security risks.
The new laptop model features a stunning high-resolution display.
She is quite proficient at troubleshooting basic laptop issues.
The laptop has become an indispensable tool for the modern digital nomad.
Given the intensive nature of the software, a high-performance laptop is necessary.
The ergonomic design of this laptop minimizes strain during long work sessions.
He meticulously researched the laptop's specifications before making the purchase.
The transition from desktop to laptop reflects the broader trend of workplace flexibility.
Despite its compact size, the laptop delivers impressive processing power.
The laptop serves as a gateway to an infinite repository of information.
Her laptop screen flickered, signaling a potential hardware malfunction.
The advent of the laptop fundamentally altered the topography of the professional landscape.
His laptop is a repository of years of intellectual labor and creative output.
The laptop, once a luxury, is now a ubiquitous artifact of our technological epoch.
She navigated the complex interface of her laptop with practiced ease.
The sleek aesthetics of the laptop belie the sheer complexity of its internal architecture.
In an era of cloud computing, the laptop acts merely as a portal to remote servers.
The laptop has effectively dismantled the physical barriers to global collaboration.
He viewed his laptop not merely as a machine, but as an extension of his own cognitive faculties.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"laptop lifestyle"
Working remotely from anywhere.
She enjoys the laptop lifestyle.
casual"shut the lid"
To stop working on the computer.
I'm shutting the lid on this project.
casual"on the laptop"
Currently using the computer.
He's been on the laptop for hours.
neutral"laptop warrior"
Someone who spends all day typing.
He is a true laptop warrior.
casual"laptop-friendly"
A place suitable for computer work.
This cafe is very laptop-friendly.
neutral"tethered to a laptop"
Always needing to be near a computer.
I feel tethered to my laptop.
neutralEasily Confused
Both are computers.
Desktops are fixed, laptops are portable.
I use a desktop at work and a laptop at home.
Both are portable.
Laptops have keyboards; tablets are mostly screens.
I type on a laptop, but I touch a tablet screen.
Synonyms.
Notebook is just a synonym for laptop.
They are the same thing.
It is a computer.
Servers provide data; laptops are for personal use.
The website is hosted on a server.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + using + a + laptop
He is using a laptop.
I + need + a + laptop + for + noun
I need a laptop for school.
The + laptop + is + adj
The laptop is very expensive.
She + works + on + her + laptop
She works on her laptop all day.
It + is + the + best + laptop
It is the best laptop I have owned.
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
9/10
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Redundant, as 'laptop' implies computer.
Incorrect possessive apostrophe placement.
Usually written as one word.
Missing article.
Broken down is for cars.
Tips
Memory Palace
Visualize your laptop on your lap.
Daily Usage
Use it to refer to your work computer.
Cultural Insight
It's a symbol of modern freedom.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'a' or 'the' before it.
Say It Right
Stress the first part: LAP-top.
Avoid Redundancy
Don't say 'laptop computer'.
Did You Know?
They used to be huge!
Study Smart
Write a sentence about your own laptop.
Rhyme Time
Rhymes with stop.
Formal Context
Use 'portable computer' in formal reports.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
LAP (where it sits) + TOP (the machine).
Visual Association
Imagine a cat sleeping on a laptop.
Word Web
Challenge
Describe your laptop in three sentences.
Word Origin
English
Original meaning: A computer that fits on the lap.
Cultural Context
None, universally understood.
Laptops are the standard tool for university students and office workers in English-speaking countries.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at work
- open my laptop
- check my laptop
- laptop battery
at school
- bring my laptop
- laptop bag
- laptop charger
traveling
- laptop in security
- portable laptop
- lightweight laptop
shopping
- buy a laptop
- laptop specs
- laptop brand
Conversation Starters
"Do you use a laptop every day?"
"What is your favorite laptop brand?"
"Do you prefer a laptop or a desktop?"
"What do you use your laptop for?"
"Is your laptop fast?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your first laptop.
Why is a laptop important for you?
How would your life change without a laptop?
What features do you look for in a laptop?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, it is written as one word.
Yes, it is designed for travel.
Laptops.
No, laptops have trackpads.
Yes.
Yes, that is what makes it portable.
No, desktops are stationary.
L-A-P-T-O-P.
Test Yourself
I have a new ___.
Laptop is the correct noun for a portable computer.
What is a laptop?
A laptop is a portable computer.
A laptop is usually battery-powered.
Laptops have batteries for portability.
Word
Meaning
Matching devices to their mobility.
Basic subject-verb-adjective order.
Score: /5
Summary
A laptop is a portable computer designed for you to take anywhere.
- A portable computer.
- Battery-powered.
- Has a screen and keyboard.
- Essential for modern work.
Memory Palace
Visualize your laptop on your lap.
Daily Usage
Use it to refer to your work computer.
Cultural Insight
It's a symbol of modern freedom.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'a' or 'the' before it.
Example
I use my laptop to watch movies in bed.
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