copy desk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Professional/Technical)Professional/Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “copy desk” mean?
The desk, department, or group of editors in a newsroom who edit and prepare news copy for publication.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The desk, department, or group of editors in a newsroom who edit and prepare news copy for publication.
A desk or workspace where written material (especially journalistic text) is edited, corrected, and finalised before being sent to press or published online.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties, but it is more central to American journalistic tradition and terminology. In the UK, the role and department may more commonly be referred to simply as 'sub-editing' or 'the subs' desk'.
Connotations
Connotes journalistic professionalism, editorial rigour, and the pre-digital era of newspaper production, though still in use.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, especially in traditional print journalism contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “copy desk” in a Sentence
work at the [copy desk]be the head of [the copy desk]send the article to [the copy desk]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “copy desk” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- copy-desk duties
- a copy-desk veteran
American English
- copy-desk job
- copy-desk procedures
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in media/publishing business contexts.
Academic
Used in journalism/media studies programs.
Everyday
Very rare; not used in general conversation.
Technical
Core term in journalism, publishing, and newsroom operations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “copy desk”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “copy desk”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “copy desk”
- Using 'copy desk' to refer to a place where photocopies are made.
- Using 'copy' in the everyday sense of 'duplicate' when discussing this term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-word, open compound noun: 'copy desk'.
Yes, the term is still used for the digital editorial team that edits online content, though the physical 'desk' may not exist.
Copy editors, sub-editors, proofreaders, and the chief copy editor or slot editor.
Traditionally, the news desk assigns stories and manages reporters, while the copy desk edits the written results. The lines can blur in smaller organisations.
The desk, department, or group of editors in a newsroom who edit and prepare news copy for publication.
Copy desk is usually professional/journalistic in register.
Copy desk: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒpi dɛsk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːpi dɛsk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “chained to the copy desk”
- “the final gate at the copy desk”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a desk where 'copy' (news text) is finalised, just like a desk where a 'copy' (duplicate) is made.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE NEWSROOM IS A FACTORY (the copy desk is the quality control station).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a copy desk?