A1noun1K

Desk

UK /["/desk/"]/US /["/desk/"]/

Definition

a piece of furniture like a table, often with drawers (= parts like boxes in it with handles on the front for pulling them open), that you sit at to read, write, work, etc.

In simple words: A piece of furniture with a flat surface for working or studying.

Examples

  • I put my books on the desk.
  • He works at his desk every day.
  • The teacher asked us to sit at our desks.
  • She decorated her desk with flowers.
  • I found a pen under the desk.

Usage notes

Commonly used in everyday situations, both at home and in offices. Not typically used in formal writing unless describing furniture. Avoid using in slang contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'desk' where you 'rest' your books.

Collocations

  • big
  • huge
  • large
  • sit at
  • get up from
  • leave
  • drawer
  • top
  • calendar
  • at a/​the desk
  • behind a/​the desk
  • on a/​the desk
  • front
  • main
  • reception
  • call
  • man
  • run
  • clerk
  • officer
  • staff
  • at the… desk
  • on the… desk
  • front
  • main
  • reception
  • call
  • man
  • run
  • clerk
  • officer
  • staff
  • at the… desk
  • on the… desk

Synonyms

  • table
  • workstation
  • writing desk
  • bureau
  • counter

Antonyms

  • floor
  • ground

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'desk' with 'table'—a desk is specifically for working.
  • Using the wrong article: 'a desk' vs 'the desk' based on context.
  • Saying 'desks' incorrectly to refer to multiple different types of workspaces.