(1) A Windows, Mac or Linux application.
(2) An application installed in a desktop or laptop computer. Contrast with "Web-based application," which requires the Web browser to be run first. See
desktop computer,
Web application and
mobile app.
(3) A program that runs in a desktop or laptop computer in contrast to a phone or tablet.
(4) In Windows, a desktop application that runs in a window on the desktop in contrast to a tablet application that runs full screen. See
Tablet Mode.