# bureau

/ˈbjʊɹoʊ/ (US) · /bjˈɔːɹəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bureau
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. government department

noun · CEFR B2

a government department or a large administrative office.

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

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

noun · CEFR B2

an office or organization that collects and provides specific information.

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

- We visited the local tourist bureau to get a map of the city.
- The news agency maintains a bureau in every major capital to ensure rapid reporting on international events.

### 3. writing desk

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

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

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

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

### 4. chest of drawers

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a piece of furniture with drawers used for keeping clothes.

For teachers: a chest of drawers used primarily for the storage of clothing.

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

## Examples

- The travel bureau helped us book our flights.
- The local employment bureau provides resources for residents looking to change careers or find seasonal work.
- While the federal bureau manages large-scale investigations, local authorities maintain jurisdiction over immediate public safety concerns within the city limits.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.