crossword clue bureau – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find all the potential solutions for the crossword clue "bureau", along with explanations and helpful tips to conquer your puzzles. Whether you need a quick answer or want to understand the word better, we've got you covered for all word lengths.
Solutions for "crossword clue bureau" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DESK: A piece of furniture with a flat top, often used for writing or studying, which 'bureau' can refer to, especially in British English.
5 Letters
CHEST: Short for 'chest of drawers', a common alternative meaning for a piece of furniture that a bureau can refer to.
6 Letters
OFFICE: Often refers to a governmental department or a place where administrative work is done, fitting the 'bureau' context.
AGENCY: A common synonym for bureau, especially when referring to an organization providing specific services, e.g., a travel bureau.
10 Letters
DEPARTMENT: A division of a large organization, particularly relevant in the context of government bureaus or agencies.
More About "crossword clue bureau"
The word "bureau" is a fascinating clue in crosswords due to its multiple meanings, often leading solvers to consider different angles. Historically, 'bureau' originated from the French word for a 'cloth covering a desk', eventually evolving to mean the desk itself. This is why you often see 'bureau' clued as a type of furniture, like a desk or a chest of drawers.
Beyond furniture, "bureau" also refers to an office or department, particularly a governmental one. Think of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or a local weather bureau. This duality makes it a prime candidate for trickier clues, requiring solvers to pay close attention to surrounding words or the overall theme of the puzzle to determine the correct context.
Understanding these distinct definitions is key to solving 'bureau' related clues. Crossword setters love words with rich etymology and multiple interpretations, and 'bureau' is a perfect example, testing your knowledge of both common objects and administrative structures.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: For words like "bureau," always think about both its common and less common definitions. Is it a piece of furniture or an official body?
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer grid is your most crucial hint. It immediately narrows down potential solutions.
- Look for Intersecting Clues: Letters filled in from other clues will often reveal which of the possible answers is correct for your "bureau" clue. Don't force a word that doesn't fit!
- Context is King: Pay attention to any other words in the clue. 'Government bureau' points to a department, while 'bedroom bureau' suggests furniture.
- Use a Thesaurus (Sparingly): If you're stuck, a quick check of synonyms can sometimes spark an idea, but try to solve it yourself first!
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common meanings of 'bureau' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'bureau' commonly refers to two main things: a piece of furniture (like a desk or a chest of drawers) or a governmental/administrative department or agency (e.g., 'FBI bureau'). The specific context of the puzzle will usually indicate which meaning is intended.
How do I choose the correct 'bureau' answer from multiple options?
To select the correct answer, consider the letter count required by the puzzle. Also, look at intersecting letters from other solved clues; these will narrow down the possibilities. Finally, think about the broader theme or other clues in the puzzle that might hint at a governmental/organizational context versus a furniture one.
Are there any tips for solving clues with multiple meanings like 'bureau'?
Yes, always consider all possible meanings of a word. Pay close attention to any additional words in the clue that might specify the context (e.g., 'government bureau' vs. 'bedroom bureau'). Don't be afraid to try out an answer and see if it fits with the intersecting words; it's often a process of elimination.