Editing Desk (section)

{{short description|Type of table often used in a school or office setting}}
{{other uses}}
{{pp-semi-indef}}
[[File:Bureau table MET DP108643.jpg|300px|thumb|Desk; {{Circa}} 1765; [[mahogany]], chestnut and tulip poplar; 87.3 x 92.7 x 52.1 cm; [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]] (New York City)]]
A '''desk''' or '''bureau''' is a piece of [[furniture]] with a flat [[table (furniture)|table]]-style work surface used in a school, [[office]], home or the like for academic, professional or domestic activities such as [[reading (activity)|reading]], [[writing]], or using equipment such as a [[computer]].<ref name=FreeDict>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreedictionary.com/desk |title=Desk |publisher=The Free Dictionary By Farlex |access-date=2012-05-17 |archive-date=2020-05-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518075745/https://www.thefreedictionary.com/desk |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=MerriamWebster>{{cite web| url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desk?show=0&t=1337298790%2F| title=Desk| publisher=Merriam-Webster| access-date=2012-05-17| archive-date=2021-08-01| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801093454/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desk?show=0&t=1337298790%2F| url-status=live}}</ref> Desks often have one or more [[Drawer (furniture)|drawers]], compartments, or pigeonholes to store items such as office supplies and papers.<ref name=MerriamWebster/> Desks are usually made of wood or metal, although materials such as glass are sometimes seen.

Some desks have the form of a [[table (furniture)|table]], although usually only one side of a desk is suitable to sit at (there are some exceptions, such as a [[partners desk]])<ref>{{cite web |title=Partners' desk |url=https://www.dictionary.com/browse/partners---desk |website=Dictionary.com |access-date=August 5, 2018 |archive-date=August 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801093449/https://www.dictionary.com/browse/partners---desk |url-status=live }}</ref> Some desks do not have the form of a table, for instance, an [[armoire desk]]<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/definitions/ARMOIRE+DESK?cx=partner-pub-0939450753529744%3Av0qd01-tdlq&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=UTF-8&q=ARMOIRE+DESK&sa=Search| title= Armoire desk| publisher= Webster's Online Dictionary| access-date= 2012-05-17| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210801093406/http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/definitions/ARMOIRE+DESK?cx=partner-pub-0939450753529744:v0qd01-tdlq&cof=FORID:9&ie=UTF-8&q=ARMOIRE+DESK&sa=Search#906//| archive-date= 2021-08-01| url-status= dead}}</ref> is a desk built within a large wardrobe-like [[cabinet (furniture)|cabinet]], and a [[portable desk]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gohistoric.com/glossary/portable-desk// |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731110141/http://www.gohistoric.com/glossary/portable-desk// |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-07-31 |title=Portable desk |publisher=Go Historic |access-date=2012-05-17 }}</ref> 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 desk]]s to be able to stand while using them.