trackpad
trackpad — noun
1. the flat touch-sensitive area on a laptop that lets you move the pointer, click,
the flat touch-sensitive area on a laptop that lets you move the pointer, click, and scroll without using a separate mouse.
Diego used the trackpad to open the file during class.
use the trackpad to + verb
Selim swiped two fingers across the trackpad to scroll down.
two-finger swipe for scrolling
When the mouse battery died, Christopher finished the form with the trackpad.
Matthew cleaned the trackpad after lunch because it felt sticky.
Nila pressed the wet trackpad, and the cursor jumped.
trackpad affecting cursor movement
- tap the trackpad
- two-finger scroll
- trackpad settings
- built-in trackpad
- touchpad
the more common general term; many speakers use it for the same laptop surface
Grammar Patterns
use the trackpad to + verb
on the trackpad
Usage Note
Usually refers to the built-in finger control area on a laptop. Touchpad is a very common alternative name, especially when contrasting it with a separate mouse.