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Bureau Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bureau

[ˈbjʊərəʊ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

office

A bureau is a type of furniture with drawers for storing clothes or other items. It is often used in bedrooms or offices.

Synonyms

cabinet, chest of drawers, dresser.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bureau

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.
chest of drawers

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.
dresser

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.
cabinet

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.

Examples of usage

  • She kept her important documents in the bureau drawers.
  • The bureau in the corner of the room was antique and beautifully crafted.
Context #2 | Noun

government

A bureau is a government department or agency that deals with a specific area of activity or special function.

Synonyms

agency, department, office.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bureau

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.
department

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.
agency

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.
office

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.

Examples of usage

  • The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a well-known bureau in the United States.
  • The Bureau of Land Management oversees the use of public lands.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Usage

  • In the past, a 'bureau' often referred to a writing desk that included compartments for storing documents, reflecting the administrative tasks of the time.
  • By the 19th century, the usage of 'bureau' expanded to include government agencies due to the increase in administrative needs in rapidly growing cities.
  • Bureaus were key in the organization of information and record-keeping, which spurred significant advancements in bureaucratic processes.

Cultural Significance

  • Bureau furniture holds a cultural significance in many households, representing orderliness and the importance of organization in daily life.
  • In modern contexts, a bureau may symbolize authority and structure, particularly within government or corporate environments.
  • The concept of a bureau transcends just furniture, embodying the idea of systematic administration in various cultural institutions globally.

Art and Literature

  • In literature, a bureau can symbolize a character's personal space or the hidden depths of their life, often serving as a reflection of their internal struggles.
  • Various artistic representations depict bureaus filled with personal items, which often serve to highlight themes of memory, nostalgia, and the passage of time.
  • Many famous authors and playwrights have incorporated bureaus into their works to emphasize the blend of domesticity and complexity in human relationships.

Origin of 'bureau'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bureau' comes from the French word for 'desk,' which is derived from the Middle French term ' burel,' meaning 'a type of coarse woolen cloth,' referring to the cloth often used to cover desks.
  • Originally, the term referred to the furniture that was traditionally covered with this cloth, linking the object to its practical use.
  • The word has evolved to also mean an administrative office or department, broadening its application in modern contexts.

The word 'bureau' originated from the French word 'bureau', which means 'desk' or 'office'. It entered the English language in the late 17th century. The concept of a bureau as a piece of furniture for storage dates back to the 18th century. Over time, the term expanded to include government departments and agencies, reflecting its French origins in administrative contexts.

See also: bureaucracy, bureaucrat, bureaucratic.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,595 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.