a chest of drawers or a writing desk with drawers and typically an angled top opening downwards to form a writing surface, an office or department for transacting particular business

travel bureau, news bureau, writing bureau

Formal and Informal Expressions of bureau

In different contexts, you can replace 'bureau' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'office, department' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'desk, drawers' is a commonplace synonym.

bureau: Explore its Definition & Usage

bureau Definition

1a chest of drawers or a writing desk with drawers and typically an angled top opening downwards to form a writing surface
2an office or department for transacting particular business

Using bureau: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "bureau" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She sat at her bureau, writing a letter.
Example
The FBI is a bureau of the US Department of Justice.
Example
He works for the Census Bureau.

bureau Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for bureau

Phrases with bureau

travel bureau
an agency that makes arrangements for transportation, accommodations, and tours for travelers
Example
I booked my flight and hotel through a travel bureau.
news bureau
an office or organization that gathers and distributes news reports
Example
The Associated Press has a news bureau in every state.
writing bureau
a desk with drawers and compartments for storing writing materials
Example
She keeps all her stationery in the writing bureau.

Origins of bureau

from French 'bureau', meaning 'office' or 'desk'

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Summary: bureau in Brief

The term 'bureau' [ˈbjʊərəʊ] refers to a piece of furniture with drawers and a writing surface, or an office or department for specific business. Examples include 'She sat at her bureau, writing a letter,' and 'He works for the Census Bureau.' 'Bureau' extends into phrases like 'travel bureau,' which arranges travel, and 'news bureau,' which gathers and distributes news reports.