bureau

noun

bu·​reau ˈbyu̇r-(ˌ)ō How to pronounce bureau (audio)
ˈbyər-
plural bureaus also bureaux ˈbyu̇r-(ˌ)ōz How to pronounce bureau (audio)
ˈbyər-
1
a
British : writing desk
especially : one having drawers and a slant top
b
: a low chest of drawers for use in a bedroom
2
a
: a specialized administrative unit
especially : a subdivision of an executive department of a government
the Federal Bureau of Investigation
b
: a branch of a newspaper, newsmagazine, or wire service in an important news center
the newspaper's Washington bureau
c
: a usually commercial agency that serves as an intermediary especially for exchanging information or coordinating activities
credit bureau
the local visitor's bureau

Examples of bureau in a Sentence

the Federal Bureau of Investigation The book is on top of my bureau.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But Hamilton, who runs the department’s detective bureau, warned that such gains could be eroded if the department continues to lose officers amid the city’s ongoing fiscal crisis. Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025 Laid-off reporters include Brandon Smith, Statehouse bureau chief and host of Indiana Week in Review; Rebecca Thiele, energy and environment reporter; Abigail Ruhman, health reporter; and Timoria Cunningham, labor and employment reporter. Cate Charron, IndyStar, 8 July 2025 The family settled in Kenilworth, that fashionable suburb befitting his father’s position as the new chief of Time magazine’s Chicago bureau. Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 3 July 2025 Sources previously told this newspaper's statehouse bureau that Husted is weighing whether to accept the appointment or pursue his original plan to run for governor in 2026. Haley Bemiller, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for bureau

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bureau was in 1698

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Cite this Entry

“Bureau.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bureau. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

bureau

noun
bu·​reau ˈbyu̇(ə)r-ō How to pronounce bureau (audio)
plural bureaus also bureaux -ōz How to pronounce bureau (audio)
1
a
: a subdivision of a government department
Federal Bureau of Investigation
b
: a business office providing services for the public
a travel bureau
2
: a low chest of drawers for use in a bedroom

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