Oval Office

American  

noun

1. the office of the president of the United States, located in the White House.

2. this office regarded as the seat of executive power in the U.S. federal government.

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Oval Office British  

noun

1. the private office of the president of the US, a large oval room in the White House

2. the US presidency

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Oval Office Cultural  

1. An oval-shaped room in the White House that serves as the official office of the president of the United States. Since the presidency of Richard Nixon, the term has been used to refer to the president himself: “The order came directly from the Oval Office.”

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Etymology

Origin of Oval Office

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65; so called from the shape of the room

Example Sentences

“It’s a small percentage, but, you know, it’s still money,” he said in the Oval Office.

From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026

Since taking office, Trump has also paved over the Rose Garden lawn at the White House and plastered the Oval Office with gold decorations.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

Still, the absence of a joint Oval Office press appearance could be a a sign that important disagreements remain unresolved.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, the president bragged of his experience building “more than 100 pools,” explaining, “I have some really good pool builders.”

From Salon • May 7, 2026

That morning, Barack had made a last visit to the Oval Office, leaving a handwritten note for his successor.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama