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Synonyms

desk work

American  

noun

  1. work done at a desk.

  2. habitual writing, as that of a clerk.


Etymology

Origin of desk work

First recorded in 1860–65


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Harfuch loved "the streets," preferring "to go on operations" over desk work, Cervantes said.

From Barron's ● May 10, 2026

A major driver of the new AI-inspired alarm has been increased capacity for computers to code software—and the fear that those capabilities could extend to swaths of white-collar desk work.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 13, 2026

From there he moved into support desk work, and found his way into cyber security, with organizations such as BAE Systems and Universal Studios.

From BBC ● May 22, 2025

The program rejected the 2019 application in part because the plan-appointed orthopedic doctor who examined Williams ruled he could participate in sedentary and desk work.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 22, 2023

In milder cases, he sometimes counseled that a soldier be discharged from his normal duties and given desk work instead.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

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