ENGLISH
REFERENCE

desk

n. countable
A1 Beginner Oxford US //ˈdɛsk// UK //dˈɛsk// desk General-service

n. a type of table that you use for working, writing, or studying. It often has drawers to hold your papers and pens.

n. a piece of furniture with a flat surface used for writing, reading, or using a computer. Often equipped with drawers or compartments for storage.


SIMPLE

I keep my computer and books on my desk.

CONTEXTUAL

She spent the entire afternoon at her desk finishing the report for her manager.

COMPLEX

The modern open-plan office often replaces the traditional assigned desk with flexible workstations to encourage collaboration among different teams.

Origin

From Middle English deske, desque, from Medieval Latin desca, modified from Old Italian desco, from Latin discus. Doublet of dais, disc, discus, dish, disk, and diskos. See also German Tisch, "table".

Usage

Commonly used with the prepositions 'at' (to sit at a desk) or 'on' (to put something on a desk).

Idioms1 entry

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