Definition of desk
1a : a table, frame, or case with a sloping or horizontal surface especially for writing and reading and often with drawers, compartments, and pigeonholesb : a reading table or lectern from which a liturgical service is readc : a table, counter, stand, or booth at which a person works
2a : a division of an organization specializing in a particular phase of activity the Russian desk in the Department of Stateb : a seating position according to rank in an orchestra a first-desk violinist
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Examples of desk in a Sentence
an information desk at an airport
We will ask for directions to the restaurant at the front desk.
We went to the reception desk to check into our room.
Recent Examples of desk from the Web
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The measure headed to the Republican governor’s desk after the House approved it 64-51 on Wednesday.
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A similar bill has reached the governor’s desk in Texas.
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Device enters overseas production ahead of annual conference Company seeks differentiation with surround sound, Apple Music Apple Inc. is already in your pocket, on your desk and underneath your television.
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The situation echoes last year, when Democrats in the House and Senate could not agree on a budget proposal to send to Rauner's desk.
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After six years at CBS Evening News during a time of trailing ratings, sources confirmed Wednesday that veteran journalist Scott Pelley is leaving the anchor desk.
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Standing at the desk once occupied by Kentucky’s Henry Clay, one of the great names in the Senate’s history, Mr. Bunning cited another forum to make his point.
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Coats came along, too, as one of the original volunteers at the cemetery’s front desk.
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Brooks’s defense of Southern honor was to ambush an unarmed man reaching under his desk.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'desk'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of desk
Middle English deske, from Medieval Latin desca, modification of Old Italian desco table, from Latin discus dish, disc — more at dish
First Known Use: 14th century
DESK Defined for English Language Learners
desk
playDefinition of desk for English Language Learners
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: a piece of furniture that is like a table and often has drawers
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: a place where people can get information or be served at an office, a hotel, etc.
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: the part of a company or organization that deals with a particular subject
DESK Defined for Kids
desk
playDefinition of desk for Students
1 : a piece of furniture with a flat or sloping surface for use in writing or reading
2 : a counter at which a person works especially to help customers
Learn More about desk
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for desk Spanish Central: Translation of desk Nglish: Translation of desk for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of desk for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about desk
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