kiosk

[kee-osk, kee-osk]

noun

1. a small structure having one or more sides open, used as a newsstand, refreshment stand, bandstand, etc.

2. a thick, columnlike structure on which notices, advertisements, etc., are posted.

3. an interactive computer terminal available for public use, as one with internet access or site-specific information.

   Students use kiosks to look up campus events.

4. an open pavilion or summerhouse common in Turkey and Iran.

5. British.,  a telephone booth.

kiosk

/ ˈkiːɒsk /

noun

1. a small sometimes movable booth from which cigarettes, newspapers, light refreshments, etc, are sold

2. a telephone box

3. a thick post on which advertisements are posted

4. (in Turkey, Iran, etc, esp formerly) a light open-sided pavilion

Word History and Origins

Origin of kiosk¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from French kiosque “stand in a public park,” ultimately from Turkish köşk “villa,” from Persian kūshk “palace, villa”

Word History and Origins

Origin of kiosk¹

C17: from French kiosque bandstand, from Turkish kösk, from Persian kūshk pavilion

Example Sentences

Non-EU nationals arriving for short stays in all EU countries -- except Cyprus and Ireland -- will be asked for their passport number, to provide fingerprints and have their photo taken at automated kiosks.

Read more on Barron's

Eurotunnel, which runs vehicle shuttles through the Channel Tunnel, has installed more than a hundred kiosks at each side.

Read more on BBC

The wrap that has quietly risen to ubiquity in café fridges, trendy bistros and airport grab-and-go kiosks.

Read more on Salon

He gradually took over more kiosks - once telling a newspaper that he kept his shops open later than others and so "the money rolled in".

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The new Riverside Stand is accessed via Gate 51, and you come out directly onto a decking area which overlooks the river and has food kiosks and live music playing.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• booth 
• newsstand 
• stall