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
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has expressed desire to enact Trump’s agenda in a bigger bill, which would also address cutting down spending, whereas Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has expressed concern over a bill this size getting to Trump’s desk.
—
Asher Notheis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 Jan. 2025
Zainab suggests eating any leftover chicken in a sandwich or salad, which sounds like a seriously envy-inducing desk lunch situation.
—Mia Leimkuhler, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
The victim ran across the street into the school and collapsed at the safety agent’s desk.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2025
Snag this long-lasting and beautiful decoration for your bookshelf, desk, mantle, or entryway table.
—Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for desk 
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.
Asher Notheis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 Jan. 2025
Zainab suggests eating any leftover chicken in a sandwich or salad, which sounds like a seriously envy-inducing desk lunch situation.
—Mia Leimkuhler, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
The victim ran across the street into the school and collapsed at the safety agent’s desk.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2025
Snag this long-lasting and beautiful decoration for your bookshelf, desk, mantle, or entryway table.
—Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 2 Jan. 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 18 Jan. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share