Definition

1. Noun:
   • A piece of furniture with a writing surface: A desk is typically a table, often with drawers or compartments, used for reading, writing, or working.
   • A counter or table in a public place: A desk can also refer to a counter where a specific service is provided, such as in a hotel, library, or airport.
   • A specific department or section: In journalism or large organizations, a desk can refer to a specialized unit responsible for a particular subject or area.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Furniture):
  • She organized the papers on her desk.
  • The antique desk had several small drawers.
• Noun (Service Counter):
  • Please check in at the reception desk.
  • He asked for information at the library's reference desk.
• Noun (Department):
  • She works on the foreign news desk at the newspaper.
  • All inquiries about Asia go through the regional desk.

Advanced Usage

• "To be at one's desk": To be working at one's desk.
  • He was at his desk by 8 a.m. every morning.
• "Front desk": The main reception or information area in a building.
  • The package was left for you at the front desk.

Variants and Related Words

• Desk job (n): A job that involves working primarily at a desk, often in an office.
  • After years of fieldwork, he transitioned to a desk job.
• Desk clerk (n): A person who works at a reception or service desk.
  • The desk clerk helped us with our luggage.

Synonyms

• Table: A piece of furniture with a flat top and legs.
• Bureau: A writing desk with drawers and typically a top that opens to form a writing surface.
• Counter: A long flat surface over which business is conducted.

Related Phrases

• Desk work: Work that is done at a desk, typically administrative or clerical tasks.
  • His new role involves a lot of desk work.
• City desk: The department in a newspaper office that handles local news.
  • The story was assigned to a reporter on the city desk.

Related Idioms

• A clean desk policy: A rule requiring employees to clear their desks of all papers at the end of the day.
  • The office introduced a strict clean desk policy for security.

Noun

1. a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments