desk

Meaning

Noun

1. A table, frame, or case, in past centuries usually with a sloping top but now usually with a flat top, for the use of writers and readers. It often has a drawer or repository underneath.
2. A reading table or lectern to support the book from which the liturgical service is read, differing from the pulpit from which the sermon is preached; also (especially in the United States), a pulpit. Hence, used symbolically for the clerical profession.
3. A department tasked with a particular topic or focus in certain types of businesses, such as newspapers and financial trading firms.
4. (abbreviation, alt-of, ellipsis) Ellipsis of mixing desk.
5. A station for a string player in an orchestra, consisting of a chair and a music stand, or a row of such stations.

Verb

1. (transitive) To shut up, as in a desk; to treasure.
2. (transitive) To equip with a desk or desks.
3. (transitive) To reject (an article submitted to a newspaper or academic journal etc.) on initial receipt, without reviewing it further.

Synonyms

table

bureau

writing desk

writing table

bench

stand

lectern

writing-desk

counter

office

🏢

desktop

school desk

reading-stand

board

department

reading-desk

seat

💺

place

desk-bound

frame

agency

seated

secretary

sedentary

settee

settle

sitting

stage

escritoire

support

davenport

unit

worktable

work table

cabinet

🗄️

branch

bed

🛏️

writing-table

office desk

table use

law office

high

Translations

Schreibtisch

bureau

scrivania

pupitre

escritorio

pupitre

Pult

pupitre

lessenaar

escrivaninha

γραφείο

mesa

bureau

scrittoio

Pronounced as (IPA)

/dɛsk/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: deske

In summary

From Middle English deske, desque, from Medieval Latin desca, modified from Old Italian desco, from Latin discus. Doublet of dais, disc, discus, dish, disk, and diskos. See also German Tisch, "table".

Sentences

He's in the desk .

You can't take that desk out .