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

I’ve tried every kind of electronic reminder to force myself to get up from my desk and stretch, but I always ignored the notifications.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The path to large-scale profits from business applications will be “gradual,” said Jordan Klein, an analyst on the trading desk at Mizuho Securities.

Read more on MarketWatch

On the day AFP visited, 38-year-old Michael was at the reception desk, making enquiries on behalf of his partner.

Read more on Barron's

On the rare occasion Lotts actually stays at home, she has her desk right by her window, which she keeps open even if it's cold.

Read more on BBC

As superyachts have become a staple of the billionaire class, owners and designers have taken pains to turn multimillion-dollar pleasure vessels into well-appointed floating offices, outfitted with executive desks, sleek wall art and high-speed internet.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• counter