desk

American  

[desk] / dɛsk /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of desk

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

Example Sentences

The cuts most seriously affect the sports desk, which will effectively be scrapped, according to Murray, along with its international reporting desk.

From Salon

Before joining the Journal in 2005, she wrote for the New York Times, based at the City desk, where she helped cover city government, neighborhoods and the Sept. 11 terrorist attack.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Oh really,” the social worker mused, stroking his beard as he approached the large wooden reception desk.

From Literature

The worst part was that the sidewalls of our classroom only came up as high as our desks, so any passerby could watch.

From Literature

“There are all these little tricks to make sure that a mug feels the right size for Kermit and for that desk to feel the right height,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• counter