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; cf. dais, dish, Medieval Latin discus refectory table

Explanation

The flat-surfaced piece of furniture at which you sit and work, write, or use your computer is called a desk. Some offices have a desk for each employee. Students often sit at classroom desks arranged in rows, and you'll also find desks in libraries, offices, and homes. Your college roommate might prefer to study while lying in bed, while you like working at your desk. Someone who has a "desk job" works in an office. Desk comes from the Medieval Latin desca, "table to write on," which has a Greek root, diskos, "platter or disk."

Example Sentences

It now goes to President Trump’s desk, and he is expected to sign it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

"Should these passengers have presented at the boarding gate desk before it closed, they would have boarded this flight," Ryanair said.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

For people who spend long hours at a desk, new research offers encouraging news.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

One is on its way to the desk of Tennessee’s Republican governor, Bill Lee.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026

I went to Ba’s desk and opened the account book.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Related Words

• counter