bureau
noun
bu·reau
ˈbyu̇r-(ˌ)ō 
ˈbyər-
plural bureaus also bureaux
ˈbyu̇r-(ˌ)ōz
ˈbyər-
1
a
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 D.C. and New York bureaus
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
Emma Caughlan Emma Caughlan is an assignment editor for NBC News’ New York bureau.
—
Emma Caughlan, NBC news, 5 Apr. 2026
In July 2025, ENR effectively ceased to exist, with media outlets reporting the remnants of the bureau would be folded into the Bureau of Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs (EEB).
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2026
Because of China’s strict censorship policies, films must be completed and screened by the film bureau before they are considered for distribution.
—Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2026
The Navy veteran and longtime Republican congressional aide will replace a succession of interim officials, most recently Nick Checker, a former CIA analyst who has served as senior bureau official.
—Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bureau
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Emma Caughlan, NBC news, 5 Apr. 2026
In July 2025, ENR effectively ceased to exist, with media outlets reporting the remnants of the bureau would be folded into the Bureau of Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs (EEB).
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2026
Because of China’s strict censorship policies, films must be completed and screened by the film bureau before they are considered for distribution.
—Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2026
The Navy veteran and longtime Republican congressional aide will replace a succession of interim officials, most recently Nick Checker, a former CIA analyst who has served as senior bureau official.
—Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bureau
Cite this Entry
“Bureau.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bureau. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bureau
noun
bu·reau
ˈbyu̇(ə)r-ō
plural bureaus also bureaux
-ōz
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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