A desk is a piece of furniture designed for working, studying, or writing. Most desks have a flat surface for spreading out papers, books, or a computer, and often include drawers or compartments for storing supplies like pencils, notebooks, and staplers.

You'll find desks in classrooms, offices, bedrooms, and libraries. A student might sit at their desk to complete homework, while a writer might work at a desk covered with drafts and reference books. Office workers spend much of their day at desks, using them as a home base for their computers, phones, and important documents.

The word can also describe a specific place where someone works or provides service. A hotel has a front desk where guests check in and ask questions. A newspaper editor might work at the sports desk or city desk, meaning they're responsible for that section of the paper. When someone says they're “stuck behind a desk all day,” they usually mean they have an office job rather than work that involves moving around.

Desks come in many styles: roll-top desks with covers that slide down, standing desks where you work on your feet, and simple writing desks with just enough room for a laptop. The right desk can make working or studying much more comfortable and organized.