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-
Synonyms of bureaunext
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 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
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.
The coroner’s bureau was trying to confirm the man’s name Wednesday morning and contact his relatives. Harry Harris, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025 Once completed, the bureau will present its findings without a charging recommendation for the Ramsey County Attorney's Office to review. Wcco Staff, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025 Each bureau must be contacted separately. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Dec. 2025 Farmer, one of the earliest public whistleblowers against Epstein, said Friday the bureau failed her, and other victims, by not pursuing her allegations. Josh Meyer, USA Today, 20 Dec. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bureau.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bureau. Accessed 27 Dec. 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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