an article of furniture having a broad, usually level, writing surface, as well as drawers or compartments for papers, writing materials, etc.
a frame for supporting a book from which the service is read in a church.
a pulpit.
the section of a large organization, as a governmental bureau or newspaper, having authority over and responsibility for particular operations within the organization: city desk; foreign desk.
a table or counter, as in a library or office, at which a specific job is performed or a service offered: an information desk; reception desk.
a stand used to support sheet music; music stand.
(in an orchestra) a seat or position assigned by rank (usually used in combination): a first-desk flutist.
—adj.
of or pertaining to a writing desk: a desk drawer.
of a size or form suitable for use on a desk: desk dictionary.
done at or based on a desk, as in an office or schoolroom: He used to be a traveling salesman, but now he has a desk job.