View synonyms for

desk

[ desk ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

an article of furniture having a broad, usually level, writing surface, as well as drawers or compartments for papers, writing materials, etc.
a frame for supporting a book from which the service is read in a church.
a pulpit.
the section of a large organization, as a governmental bureau or newspaper, having authority over and responsibility for particular operations within the organization:
city desk; foreign desk.
a table or counter, as in a library or office, at which a specific job is performed or a service offered:
an information desk; reception desk.
a stand used to support sheet music; music stand.
(in an orchestra) a seat or position assigned by rank (usually used in combination):
a first-desk flutist.

adjective

of or relating to a writing desk:
a desk drawer.
of a size or form suitable for use on a desk:
desk dictionary.
done at or based on a desk, as in an office or schoolroom:
He used to be a traveling salesman, but now he has a desk job.

desk

/ ��ɛ�� /

noun

a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
a service counter or table in a public building, such as a hotel
information desk
a support, lectern, or book rest for the book from which services are read in a church
the editorial section of a newspaper, etc, responsible for a particular subject
the news desk
1. a music stand shared by two orchestral players
2. these two players
modifier
1. made for use at a desk
  a desk calendar
2. done at a desk
  a desk job

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Word History and Origins

Origin of desk¹

1350–1400; Middle English deske < Medieval Latin desca, descus desk, lectern, probably < a Romance-influenced form of Latin discus discus; dais, dish, Medieval Latin discus refectory table

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Word History and Origins

Origin of desk¹

C14: from Medieval Latin desca table, from Latin discus disc, dish

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Symonds recalled meeting Pointer for the first time at the Actor’s Workshop in San Francisco, where she was “sitting at a desk typing a letter,” he told The Times in 1997.

From

“So many times you’d just be working at a desk or working on the computer,” he said, “and you look outside, and you’re just like, ‘God, it’s gorgeous outside.’”

From

In early December, she was taking three classes and working eight hours a week at the front desk of the college counseling department — a position she got through the state’s welfare-to-work program.

From

She asked if a gay teacher would be allowed to have a wedding photo on her desk?

From

The BBC has spoken to four of those peers preparing to pack up their parliamentary desks.

From

Related Words

counter

desistance deskbound

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