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Definition of secretaire

secretaire

/ˌsɛk.ɹəˈtɛə/
(UK: secrétaire)
sec · re · taire
Plural:secretaires
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secretaire Lexical Profile

secretaire Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British A piece of furniture consisting of a desk with a hinged or sliding front that opens to form a writing surface, typically fitted with small drawers, pigeonholes, and sometimes a bookcase above.

Example

"She unlocked the antique mahogany secretaire and lowered its hinged flap to write a letter."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for secretaire

Word Nuance & Usage

In British English, 'secretaire' refers specifically to an enclosed writing desk, whereas in American English this piece of furniture is more commonly called a 'secretary' or 'secretary desk'.

• Rhymes for secretaire

• Nearby Words

seconds
secrecy
secret
secretaire
secretarial
secretariat
secretary

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 18th century from French 'secrétaire', meaning both a confidant and a writing desk where private papers are kept, ultimately from Medieval Latin 'secretarius'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Secretaire. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/secretaire
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