bureau

/ˈbjʊə.roʊ/ French Origin Government

Original Word

bureau

French

Entered English

17th century

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "bureau"

From French 'bureau', originally a baize-covered writing desk, from 'bure' (coarse woolen cloth). The meaning expanded to room, then office, then organization. The word gave English 'bureaucracy' and 'bureaucrat'.

Example Usage

"The Federal Bureau of Investigation is commonly known as the FBI."

All French Loanwords Look Up in Dictionary

More French Loanwords

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