A desk or bureau is a piece of furniture with a flat table-style work surface used in a school, office, home or the like for academic, professional or domestic activities such as reading, writing, or using equipment such as a computer.[1][2] Desks often have one or more drawers, compartments, or pigeonholes to store items such as office supplies and papers.[2] Desks are usually made of wood or metal, although materials such as glass are sometimes seen.
Some desks have the form of a table, although usually only one side of a desk is suitable to sit at (there are some exceptions, such as a partners desk)[3] Some desks do not have the form of a table, for instance, an armoire desk[4] is a desk built within a large wardrobe-like cabinet, and a portable desk[5] is light enough to be placed on a person's lap. Since many people lean on a desk while using it, a desk must be sturdy. In most cases, people sit at a desk, either on a separate chair or a built-in chair (e.g., in some school desks). Some people use standing desks to be able to stand while using them.
- ^ "Desk". The Free Dictionary By Farlex. Archived from the original on 2020-05-18. Retrieved 2012-05-17.
- ^ a b "Desk". Merriam-Webster. Archived from the original on 2021-08-01. Retrieved 2012-05-17.
- ^ "Partners' desk". Dictionary.com. Archived from the original on August 1, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
- ^ "Armoire desk". Webster's Online Dictionary. Archived from the original on 2021-08-01. Retrieved 2012-05-17.
- ^ "Portable desk". Go Historic. Archived from the original on 2012-07-31. Retrieved 2012-05-17.