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REFERENCE

bureau

n.
US //ˈbjʊɹoʊ// UK //bjˈɔːɹəʊ// bu·reau
  1. 1 government department (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a government department or a large administrative office.

    an administrative unit of government or a specialized agency within a larger organization.

    Example

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation is responsible for many high-level cases.

    Example

    The national census is managed by a dedicated bureau that operates independently of the central statistical office.

    Usage

    Often used in the titles of specific government agencies.
  2. 2 information office (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    an office or organization that collects and provides specific information.

    an organization or office established for the purpose of collecting or distributing news or information.

    Example

    We visited the local tourist bureau to get a map of the city.

    Example

    The news agency maintains a bureau in every major capital to ensure rapid reporting on international events.
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  1. 3 writing desk (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    a desk with a top that folds down for writing and drawers for storing papers.

    a writing desk with a hinged lid that opens to provide a writing surface, typically featuring small compartments for stationery.

    Example

    He kept all his old letters in the top drawer of his mahogany bureau.

    Example

    The antique bureau featured intricate wood carvings and a secret compartment hidden behind the inkwell shelf.

    Usage

    In British English, this specifically refers to a desk; in American English, this usage is rare.
  2. 4 chest of drawers (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    a piece of furniture with drawers used for keeping clothes.

    a chest of drawers used primarily for the storage of clothing.

    Example

    She put her clean socks away in the top drawer of the bureau.

    Example

    The bedroom set included a matching bed frame and a tall bureau with polished brass handles.

    Usage

    Common in the Northeastern United States; British speakers would call this a 'chest of drawers'.
Origin

Unadapted borrowing from French bureau, earlier "coarse cloth (as desk cover), baize", from Old French burel (“woolen cloth”), diminutive of *bure (compare Middle French bure (“coarse woolen cloth”), French bourre (“hair, fluff”)), from Late Latin burra (“wool, fluff, shaggy cloth, coarse fabric”); akin to Ancient Greek βερβέριον (berbérion, “shabby garment”). Doublet of burel and borrel, taken from Old French.

Word family

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