cubicle
KYOO-bi-kul
/ˈkjuːbɪkl/
A small partitioned off area of a room, for example, in a call center or an office.
Often implies a somewhat impersonal or cramped workspace, contrasting with private offices or open-plan areas.
The story behind the word. The word 'cubicle' comes from the Latin 'cubiculum,' which originally meant 'bedroom' or 'sleeping chamber.' This root is also found in 'cubit' (a unit of length based on the forearm) and 'cube' (a three-dimensional square). In English, it first referred to a small compartment or recess, and by the mid-20th century, it became widely used to describe the partitioned workspaces common in modern offices.
Word relationships
- workstation: A more general term for a place where someone works, which could be a cubicle, a desk, or a computer setup.
- partitioned workspace: A descriptive phrase that highlights the key feature of a cubicle.
- private office: A fully enclosed and often larger workspace for one person.
- open-plan office: A large room with many desks and no or minimal partitions.
Collocations
- office cubicle
- personal cubicle
- rows of cubicles
- cubicle farm
Idioms & expressions
- cubicle farm
Example sentences
- "Each employee had their own cubicle, offering a small degree of privacy in the otherwise open-plan office." Describing a typical office layout.
- "The shift from traditional offices to cubicles was initially seen as a way to maximize space and foster collaboration, though it often led to less privacy." Reflecting on workplace design.
Memory hook
A 'CUBICLE' is like a small 'CUBE' of personal space in a big office. Cube space
When not to use
Don't use 'cubicle' for a fully enclosed private office or a large, shared open-plan desk area without partitions.
Fun facts
- The modern office cubicle was invented by Robert Propst for Herman Miller in the 1960s, initially designed to offer more flexibility and privacy than open-plan offices.
- Despite its original intent, the 'cubicle farm' often became a symbol of corporate monotony and lack of personal space in popular culture.
Related words
Explore more words
cubby, locker, compartment, kiosk, compartmentalize, credenza
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