Main Entry:

bu·reau

Pronunciation:

\ˈbyu̇r-(ˌ)ō, ˈbyər-\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural bureaus also bu·reaux \-(ˌ)ōz\

Etymology:

French, desk, cloth covering for desks, from Old French burel woolen cloth, from Old French *bure, from Late Latin burra shaggy cloth

Date:

1699

1 aBritish : writing desk ; especially : one having drawers and a slant top b: a low chest of drawers for use in a bedroom2 a: a specialized administrative unit ; especially : a subdivision of an executive department of a government b: a branch of a newspaper, newsmagazine, or wire service in an important news center c: a usually commercial agency that serves as an intermediary especially for exchanging information or coordinating activities <credit bureau>