Escritoire: meaning, definitions and examples

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escritoire

 

[ ɛs.kriːˈtɔɪər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

furniture

An escritoire is a type of writing desk, often with a hinged writing surface that can be closed to conceal its contents. It typically includes drawers and compartments for storing writing materials. Escritores were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, combining functionality with decorative design.

Synonyms

bureau, secretary, writing desk

Examples of usage

  • She wrote her letters at the antique escritoire.
  • His escritoire was neatly organized with all his writing supplies.
  • The escritoire had intricate carvings on its surface.
  • He opened the escritoire to reveal a hidden compartment.

Translations

Translations of the word "escritoire" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escrivaninha

🇮🇳 लेखनी

🇩🇪 Schreibtisch

🇮🇩 meja tulis

🇺🇦 письмовий стіл

🇵🇱 biurko

🇯🇵 デスク

🇫🇷 escritoire

🇪🇸 escritorio

🇹🇷 yazı masası

🇰🇷 서재

🇸🇦 مكتب

🇨🇿 psací stůl

🇸🇰 písací stôl

🇨🇳 书桌

🇸🇮 pisaška miza

🇮🇸 skrifborð

🇰🇿 жазу столы

🇬🇪 წერითი მაგიდა

🇦🇿 yazı masası

🇲🇽 escritorio

Etymology

The word 'escritoire' originated in the late 17th century, derived from the French word 'écritoire', which comes from 'écrire', meaning 'to write'. Its use became common in English literature during the Georgian period, reflecting a growing appreciation for elegance in design and the art of letter writing. Escritores were often crafted from fine woods and adorned with brass or ivory accents, serving as symbols of status and refinement in the homes of the wealthy. Over time, while the popularity of funcionarios waned with the advent of modern office furniture, the term remains in use today, often to describe an antique piece or a stylish writing desk.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,523, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.