What Does Desktop Mean?

Desktop is an IT term for the most fundamental and basic element of a personal computer’s graphical user interface. The desktop display is the default display on the computer when it is booted up; auxiliary features like docks provide end users with options for working from a desktop.

Techopedia Explains Desktop

As personal computers evolved from operating systems based on command line to more advanced GUI designs, the desktop remained a common concept in design. Users can change the background image of a desktop, customize icons, or otherwise arrange the desktop into what most appeals to them in terms of aesthetics and function.