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

See Examples For:

writing desk

Its standout artifacts include Voltaire’s custom-designed gilded armchair, equipped with a writing desk and drawers, and a re-creation of the bedroom of Marcel Proust, including a piece of his famously cork-lined, soundproof walls.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 10, 2026

Carrie Bradshaw’s globetrotter luggage set, a vintage stool and steel writing desk.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 28, 2026

And in their home in Santa Monica, California, she has kept his writing desk untouched for over a decade.

From BBC ● Jun. 3, 2024

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

From Washington Times ● Oct. 24, 2023

Mrs. Tallis remained standing, while Briony sat on one side of the writing desk and the inspectors sat on the other.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan