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

They include everything from sketches of Apple logos to the bench and desk of the Apple I’s presentation at the Homebrew Computer Club a half-century ago.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Working at a desk in his dorm room, he spent hours identifying the IP addresses—numerical labels, similar to phone numbers, assigned to devices—connected to the network.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

She said it was unusual to find a letter on her desk and that it had unfortunately been opened and handled by several people before reaching her.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

“That is why I’m running for governor, to make sure that when things come to my desk, the first question is going to be, why did we need this?”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

He lifted his eyes from the desk and I saw anguish in them.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

• counter