WordGarden.iooffice
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɒfɪs/
US
- /ˈɔfɪs/
Meanings
Noun
a place where professional or administrative work is done
a department or service center that handles official business
a position of public authority or responsibility
Beyond the definition
An office is not just four walls and a desk. It is the place where work gets done, whether that means working in a company building, using a room at home, or running the business side of a farm from a small shed. The word can mean the physical space itself, like "a bright office," but it can also mean a position or duty someone holds, as in "She holds the office of president." You can also say someone is in office, meaning they currently hold a political position.
The word "office" has several related meanings, but they all connect to work, duty, and organization. In everyday use, it most often means the place where people do their work. This could be a large company space with desks and meeting rooms, a doctor's office, a lawyer's office, a school office, or a home office set up in a quiet room. In this sense, it is the physical place where business, planning, or professional services happen.
The word can also mean a department that handles a certain part of an organization. For example, people may talk about the admissions office, the post office, or the main office. Here, the focus is not only on the room itself, but also on the people and function connected with it.
Another important meaning is an official position or duty, especially in public life. If someone runs for office, takes office, or leaves office, the word means a position of authority, usually in government. This sense is older and appears in phrases like "hold office" or "the office of mayor."
In a broader and older sense, "office" can also mean a duty or role that a person is expected to carry out. All of these meanings are linked by the idea of responsibility and organized work. So, whether it refers to a room, a department, or a public position, "office" is a word about places and roles where important work gets done.
Examples
- 1
Workplace
She works in a small office above the bank.
- 2
At work
I left my laptop at the office, so I have to go back.
- Phraseat the office
at your workplace
- 3
Private room
Come into my office and close the door.
- 4
Company branch
Our office is moving to a new building next month.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Public holiday
The office is closed on Monday for a public holiday.
- 6
Medical appointment
I called the doctor's office to make an appointment.
- Phrasedoctor's office
the place where a doctor sees patients
- 7
Postal service
You can buy stamps at the post office.
- 8
Public position
The senator took office in January.
- Phrasetake office
start an official job or position
- 9
Election
She ran for office because she wanted to change local schools.
- Phraserun for office
try to be elected to a public position
- 10
Work absence
Please send urgent messages to my assistant while I am out of office.
- Phraseout of office
away from work, especially not reading work messages
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- officenoun
Forms
- officespluralnoun