1
a
: a table, frame, or case with a sloping or horizontal surface especially for writing and reading and often with drawers, compartments, and pigeonholes
b
: a reading table or lectern from which a liturgical service is read
c
: a table, counter, stand, or booth at which a person works
2
a
: a division of an organization specializing in a particular phase of activity
the Russian desk in the Department of State
b
: a seating position according to rank in an orchestra
a first-desk violinist
Synonyms
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 on the Web
From putting together shelving and a desk to adding finishing design touches including a vase of flowers, Herbert’s room goes from a storage space to a fully-functioning home office in the span of the minute-long video.
—
Arabella Hau, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Our team has a desk at the office devoted to sweets, and the chocolate bowl is always overflowing.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2025
On Thursday afternoon, a federal judge in Boston temporarily halted President Trump’s federal employee buyout program, though the impact of the DOGE ultimatums blitz means thousands of desks are already empty.
—Henry Gass, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Feb. 2025
View 3 Images View gallery - 3 images Luxo Jr. has been brightening up every Pixar film since 1995, when the anthropomorphic desk lamp first appeared on screen and stomped on the animation studio's logo in its opening credits.
—New Atlas, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for desk 
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Arabella Hau, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Our team has a desk at the office devoted to sweets, and the chocolate bowl is always overflowing.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2025
On Thursday afternoon, a federal judge in Boston temporarily halted President Trump’s federal employee buyout program, though the impact of the DOGE ultimatums blitz means thousands of desks are already empty.
—Henry Gass, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Feb. 2025
View 3 Images View gallery - 3 images Luxo Jr. has been brightening up every Pixar film since 1995, when the anthropomorphic desk lamp first appeared on screen and stomped on the animation studio's logo in its opening credits.
—New Atlas, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for desk
Articles Related to desk
Dictionary Entries Near desk
Cite this Entry
“Desk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desk. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
desk
noun1
a
: a table, frame, or case with a flat or sloping surface especially for writing and reading
b
: a counter at which a person works
2
a
: a specialized division of an organization (as a newspaper)
city desk
b
: a seating position according to rank in an orchestra
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