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

That went to local author and historian Sam Sweet, who visited the store with no intention of buying anything and left with the Viktor, which now sits on his writing desk.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

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 • Oct. 30, 2025

Shanthi's husband later built a writing desk out of wooden pallets so the children could do homework in the tent.

From BBC • Dec. 7, 2024

As an official gift, the Bidens gave their guests an antique writing desk.

From Washington Times • Oct. 24, 2023

Mo picked up a matchbox lying on Fenoglio’s writing desk, opened it, and slowly closed it again.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke