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 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

As the ordinance will force outlets to either hire more people or cut the number of self-checkout kiosks, the California Grocers Assn. warned that consumers could end up facing longer lines and higher grocery prices.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• booth 
• newsstand 
• stall