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Cubicle: meaning, definitions and examples

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cubicle

 

[ˈkjuːbɪk(ə)l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

office space

A small partitioned-off area of a room, especially one containing a desk.

Synonyms

bay, booth, compartment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cubicle

A small, enclosed workspace often found in offices, usually designed for one person to work in a semi-private area.

  • She decorated her cubicle with photos and plants to make it feel more comfortable.
  • I will get back to you once I return to my cubicle.
compartment

A divided section within a larger space, used for organizing items or providing separate areas for different functions. Common in vehicles, luggage, or storage furniture.

  • Please store your belongings in the overhead compartment during the flight.
  • The desk has several compartments to help keep things organized.
booth

A small, enclosed space, often temporary, used for specific activities such as voting, dining, or vendor sales. Also seen in restaurants as a seating area.

  • We reserved a booth at the restaurant for our dinner meeting.
  • Please fill out your ballot in the voting booth.
bay

An open, often larger area within an office or other structure, shared by multiple people or for specific purposes such as equipment storage or team collaboration.

  • The engineering team has their own bay where they can work on projects together.
  • Please place the equipment in the storage bay when you're finished using it.

Examples of usage

  • He works in a cubicle in the open-plan office.
  • The new employee was assigned a cubicle near the window.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'cubicle' comes from the Latin word 'cubiculum,' meaning a 'small room or bedroom.'
  • It became widely used in English around the 1960s when office designs began to change.
  • Originally, a cubicle referred to an enclosed space, but today it represents open-plan office layouts divided by partitions.

Architecture

  • Cubicles are often designed for efficiency and organization, aiming to maximize space in workplaces.
  • The invention of cubicles is credited to designer Robert Propst, aiming to create a flexible working environment.
  • Many modern offices utilize open-plan designs that incorporate cubicles to foster collaboration among employees.

Psychology

  • Studies have shown that cubicles can impact productivity and morale, providing both personal space and feelings of isolation.
  • Lack of privacy in cubicles may lead to decreased concentration, as noise and visual distractions can disrupt work.
  • Personalizing a cubicle space can enhance employee satisfaction and comfort in their work environment.

Pop Culture

  • Cubicles are often depicted in movies and TV shows as symbols of the mundane office life, such as in 'The Office.'
  • They have become cultural references for the 9-to-5 work routine, often highlighting the monotony of corporate jobs.
  • In graphic novels like 'Dilbert,' cubicles represent the humor and challenges of everyday office work.

Technology

  • The rise of remote work and digital communication is challenging the traditional cubicle concept, as many now work from home.
  • Innovative technologies, like virtual reality, are changing how employees can interact with office environments, even remotely.
  • Adjustable cubicles with built-in technology, like charging stations, are becoming more common to accommodate modern working needs.

Translations

Translations of the word "cubicle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cubículo

🇮🇳 क्यूबिकल

🇩🇪 Kabine

🇮🇩 kubikel

🇺🇦 кабінка

🇵🇱 kabina

🇯🇵 オフィスの小部屋

🇫🇷 cabine

🇪🇸 cubículo

🇹🇷 küçük oda

🇰🇷 작은 공간

🇸🇦 حجرة صغيرة

🇨🇿 kóje

🇸🇰 kója

🇨🇳 小隔间

🇸🇮 kabina

🇮🇸 klefi

🇰🇿 кабина

🇬🇪 კაბინეტი

🇦🇿 kabinə

🇲🇽 cubículo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,568, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.