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View synonyms for

desk

[ desk ]

noun

  1. an article of furniture having a broad, usually level, writing surface, as well as drawers or compartments for papers, writing materials, etc.
  2. a frame for supporting a book from which the service is read in a church.
  3. a pulpit.
  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. a stand used to support sheet music; music stand.
  7. (in an orchestra) a seat or position assigned by rank (usually used in combination):

    a first-desk flutist.



adjective

  1. of or relating to a writing desk:

    a desk drawer.

  2. of a size or form suitable for use on a desk:

    desk dictionary.

  3. 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

  1. a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
  2. a service counter or table in a public building, such as a hotel

    information desk

  3. a support, lectern, or book rest for the book from which services are read in a church
  4. 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
  5. modifier
    1. made for use at a desk

      a desk calendar

    2. done at a desk

      a desk job

“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
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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.

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

More than 20 years later, the case landed on Baca’s desk.

From

At the motel — which was apparently not exactly the Four Seasons — she asked the person at the front desk which room Odom was in, got an answer and headed in that direction.

From

It would be more understandable if, say, Christians were being told they couldn't wear a cross or have a picture of Jesus on their desk.

From

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