Pronunciation: [bjˈʊ͡əɹə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the plural form of "bureau," meaning a writing desk or an office, is "bureaux." The word is pronounced as ['bjʊərəʊz] in IPA phonetic transcription, with stress on the second syllable. The "eaux" ending in the word is a French plural form, similar to the English "-s" ending. When using the word "bureau" in the singular form, the spelling remains the same, but the pronunciation becomes ['bjʊərəʊ].
Bureaux is the plural form of the noun "bureau," originating from the French language. A bureau (singular) refers to a formal or professional place of work, typically used to carry out administrative or managerial tasks. It is often associated with an office or workplace where administrative functions are performed, such as paperwork, record-keeping, and decision-making. Bureaux (plural) essentially denotes multiple such workplaces.
In the context of organizations or governmental bodies, bureaux serve as distinct divisions or departments responsible for specific functions or areas of expertise. These bureaux are often headed by directors, managers, or supervisors who oversee their respective responsibilities and ensure smooth operations within their domain.
Bureaux can also be used to refer to the physical equipment or furniture found in an office, such as desks, chairs, storage units, and filing cabinets. These elements play a crucial role in providing a conducive environment for work and organization.
Furthermore, the term bureaux can be used in a broader sense to encompass various governmental or administrative bodies, both national and international. For instance, in the world of diplomacy, "bureaux" may refer to departments or branches responsible for specific matters, such as diplomatic relations, international trade, or cultural exchange.
In summary, bureaux denote formal workplaces or offices, either referring to specific divisions within an organization or encompassing administrative bodies at large.
The word "bureaux" has a French origin. Its root word is "bureau", which comes from the Old French word "burel" or "bure", meaning a coarse fabric made of wool. The term "bureau" was initially used to refer to a type of writing desk or table with compartments or drawers to store documents.
Over time, "bureau" evolved to also denote an office or a place of work where administrative tasks are performed. In English, "bureau" is commonly used to refer to a government agency or department, such as the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) or the Census Bureau.
The plural form of "bureau" in French is "bureaux", and it has been adopted into several languages, including English, to refer to multiple offices or workspaces.
