1
a
: a table, frame, or case with a sloping or horizontal surface especially for writing and reading and often with drawers, compartments, and pigeonholes
b
: a reading table or lectern from which a liturgical service is read
c
: a table, counter, stand, or booth at which a person works
2
a
: a division of an organization specializing in a particular phase of activity
the Russian desk in the Department of State
b
: a seating position according to rank in an orchestra
a first-desk violinist
Synonyms
Examples of desk in a Sentence
an information desk at an airport
We will ask for directions to the restaurant at the front desk.
We went to the reception desk to check into our room.
Recent Examples on the Web
This is his go-to solution when a dirty-diaper issue lands on his desk.
—
Axios, 17 Jan. 2025
The animosity between the two leaders reached a fever pitch on Jan. 6, 2021, as a mob of Mr. Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol, and a rioter vandalized Ms. Pelosi’s office and posed for a photo with a boot on her desk.
—Chris Cameron, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Riley shut the door to his hotel room, set the bag of delivered food on the desk and put his cell phone conversation on speaker.
—Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Disruption of the board follows the board’s 3-1 vote in September to relocate 23 books in the library’s collection, moving 20 to the adult section and placing three behind the circulation desk, the Idaho Statesman previously reported.
—Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for desk 
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Axios, 17 Jan. 2025
The animosity between the two leaders reached a fever pitch on Jan. 6, 2021, as a mob of Mr. Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol, and a rioter vandalized Ms. Pelosi’s office and posed for a photo with a boot on her desk.
—Chris Cameron, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Riley shut the door to his hotel room, set the bag of delivered food on the desk and put his cell phone conversation on speaker.
—Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Disruption of the board follows the board’s 3-1 vote in September to relocate 23 books in the library’s collection, moving 20 to the adult section and placing three behind the circulation desk, the Idaho Statesman previously reported.
—Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for desk
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Dictionary Entries Near desk
Cite this Entry
“Desk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desk. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
desk
noun1
a
: a table, frame, or case with a flat or sloping surface especially for writing and reading
b
: a counter at which a person works
2
a
: a specialized division of an organization (as a newspaper)
city desk
b
: a seating position according to rank in an orchestra
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