Bureau: meaning, definitions and examples

In British English, 'bureau' means a writing desk with drawers and compartments, usually with a hinged writing surface.

• He laid the letters on the bureau and began to write a response.
• The bureau in the study has been in the family for generations.

Commonly used term for a tall piece of bedroom furniture with multiple horizontal drawers for storing clothes and other items.

• He folded his shirts and placed them neatly in the chest of drawers.
• The chest of drawers was too heavy for them to move.

Primarily used in American English to describe a low, usually long piece of furniture with drawers for storing clothes, often with a mirror attached.

• She looked at herself in the mirror on the dresser as she got ready for the party.
• The dresser was filled with her jewelry, makeup, and accessories.

Furniture piece with shelves or compartments, typically used for storing items such as dishes, medicines or files.

• The kitchen cabinet is full of spices and herbs.
• She found the important documents in the filing cabinet.

Use this term when referring to a specialized government office responsible for a specific function, often in the context of administration or organization.

• The FBI is a federal bureau responsible for investigating and enforcing federal laws.
• She works in the bureau of immigration and customs enforcement.

Use this term to describe a major division of a government or a large organization, often responsible for broad sectors such as health, education, or finance.

• The Department of Education announced new policies for students.
• He works in the finance department of a multinational company.

This term is suitable for describing a government or organization unit that provides specific services or enforces regulations. It can also refer to private organizations providing specialized services.

• The Environmental Protection Agency oversees environmental regulations and policies.
• She hired a travel agency to plan her vacation.

This term is commonly used to refer to a place where professional or clerical work is conducted. It can also refer to a position of authority.

• She has a comfortable office with a view of the city.
• He took over the office of president last year.