English Reference
Noun

cubicle

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈkjubɪkəɫ/ UK /kjˈuːbɪkəl/ cu·bi·cle UK spelling cubicles

n.a small, private space in a larger room that is divided by thin walls. You usually see these in offices for workers or in public bathrooms.

n.a small partitioned space within a larger room, typically used for work or privacy. Often refers to an office workstation or a changing area.


SIMPLE

She decorated her office cubicle with photos of her cat.

CONTEXTUAL

The open-plan office was filled with rows of grey cubicles, each equipped with a desk and a computer.

COMPLEX

While the modern workplace often favours open layouts to encourage collaboration, many employees still prefer the relative privacy and focus afforded by a traditional cubicle.

Usage

Commonly used in the context of office environments or public facilities like swimming pools and hospitals.


From Late Middle English cubicle, from Latin cubiculum (“bedroom”). Doublet of cubiculum.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin cubiculum
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated