desk

[ desk ]

noun

1. an article of furniture having a broad, usually level, writing surface, as well as drawers or compartments for papers, writing materials, etc.
2. a frame for supporting a book from which the service is read in a church.
3. a pulpit.
4. the section of a large organization, as a governmental bureau or newspaper, having authority over and responsibility for particular operations within the organization:

   city desk; foreign desk.

5. a table or counter, as in a library or office, at which a specific job is performed or a service offered:

   an information desk; reception desk.

6. a stand used to support sheet music; music stand.
7. (in an orchestra) a seat or position assigned by rank (usually used in combination):

   a first-desk flutist.

adjective

1. of or relating to a writing desk:

   a desk drawer.

2. of a size or form suitable for use on a desk:

   desk dictionary.

3. done at or based on a desk, as in an office or schoolroom:

   He used to be a traveling salesman, but now he has a desk job.

desk

/ dɛsk /

noun

1. a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
2. a service counter or table in a public building, such as a hotel

   information desk

3. a support, lectern, or book rest for the book from which services are read in a church
4. the editorial section of a newspaper, etc, responsible for a particular subject

   the news desk

5. 1. a music stand shared by two orchestral players
   2. these two players
6. modifier
   1. made for use at a desk

      a desk calendar

   2. done at a desk

      a desk job

Word History and Origins

Origin of desk¹

1350–1400; Middle English deske < Medieval Latin desca, descus desk, lectern, probably < a Romance-influenced form of Latin discus discus; dais, dish, Medieval Latin discus refectory table

Word History and Origins

Origin of desk¹

C14: from Medieval Latin desca table, from Latin discus disc, dish

Example Sentences

Hoteling — when employees have a common work space rather than dedicated desks — would better accommodate “the new world we work in,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

In the corner of the marquee, three analysts sit behind a desk, capturing the work of Pennington and Brown on a phone and tablet mounted on a tripod.

From BBC

Around 5 p.m., as the light disappeared and the air grew chilly, Jovita Bautista, 50, stayed at her post at the check-in desk outside KIWA, where she had been stationed since 8 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times

His private key - a digital key used to access the coins - was stored on his computer's hard drive, which he eventually removed when upgrading his PC and placed in a drawer in his desk.

From BBC

It backfired horribly against Greece but there is still plenty of positive, optimistic news he can provide Tuchel when that report lands on his desk.

From BBC

Related Words

• counter