writing desk

American  

noun

1. a piece of furniture with a surface for writing, with drawers and pigeonholes for writing materials.

2. a portable case that when opened forms a surface on which to write.

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writing desk British  

noun

1. a piece of furniture with a writing surface and drawers and compartments for papers, writing materials, etc

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Etymology

Origin of writing desk

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

She marched to the front parlor, where Lady Constance’s personal stationery was kept in an antique writing desk worth more than a whole fleet of governesses could earn in a year.

From Literature

Penelope sat at the writing desk and smoothed the paper before her.

From Literature

In sculpting the organ, Elphick takes artistic licence and morphs the instrument with Jones's writing desk, bringing to life aspects of his multi-faceted career and to reflect his interests beyond Python.

From BBC

Mr. Zipperstein suggests that the real drama was not in the bedroom but at the writing desk, where Roth’s quarrels with himself became art.

From The Wall Street Journal

Nevertheless, some family possessions survive and are exhibited here: a lovely walnut writing desk used by Otto Frank, table linens with family initials, colorful crockery, a precious photo album.

From The Wall Street Journal