desk
dehsk
Desk (noun) means a piece of furniture with a flat surface used for writing, reading, or working, often with drawers. Example: “She keeps her laptop and files neatly on her desk.”
noun
1
A piece of furniture with a flat surface used for writing, reading, or working, often with drawers.
"She keeps her laptop and files neatly on her desk."
"He cleared his desk and left the office for the weekend."
"The teacher sat at her desk marking homework while the pupils read quietly."
verb
1
To reject a submitted article or manuscript without giving it a full review.
"The editor desked the manuscript after reading only the first page."
"The journal desked her paper within a week, saying it did not suit its themes."
"Editors often desk submissions that ignore the guidelines without sending them to reviewers."
How to use desk
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA table you sit at to work, write, or study.
Common pairings
office desk
front desk
desk job
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- desks
- Past tense
- desked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She keeps her laptop and files neatly on her _____.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin desca, from Italian desco, ultimately from Latin discus ("disc, dish") — the same root behind "dish," "disc," and "dais."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “desk” mean?
The word “desk” means a piece of furniture with a flat surface used for writing, reading, or working, often with drawers. In plain terms, a table you sit at to work, write, or study.
How do you pronounce “desk”?
“Desk” is pronounced dehsk (/dɛsk/ in IPA).
How do you use “desk” in a sentence?
Here is “desk” used in a sentence: “She keeps her laptop and files neatly on her desk.”
What part of speech is “desk”?
Depending on how it is used, “desk” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “desk” come from?
The word “desk” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin desca, from Italian desco, ultimately from Latin discus ("disc, dish") — the same root behind "dish," "disc," and "dais.".
Is “desk” a common word?
“Desk” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “desk” have?
“Desk” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a piece of furniture with a flat surface used for writing, reading, or working, often with drawers.
What is the difference between a desk and a table?
A desk is designed specifically for writing, reading, or working, and usually has drawers or compartments for storage. A table is a more general, open surface used for many purposes, such as eating, meeting, or displaying things. In short, every desk is a kind of table, but built for focused work.
What are the types of desks?
Common types include the writing desk, computer desk, standing desk, corner desk, and executive desk. Some fold away or attach to a wall to save space, while others are large and built for storage. The right choice depends on the work being done and the room available.
What is a standing desk?
A standing desk is a desk built or adjusted to a height that lets you work while standing rather than sitting. Many are height-adjustable, so you can switch between sitting and standing during the day. People use them to reduce time spent seated and to stay more comfortable while working.
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