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Synonyms

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.


writing desk British  

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of writing desk

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

If you’ve ever daydreamed about owning an item from Carrie Bradshaw’s closet or the writing desk where she penned her famous memoir, this L.A. event may be your golden ticket.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 28, 2026

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 Jan. 25, 2025

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

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

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke

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