cubicle

/ˈkjubəkəl/

/ˈkjubɪkəl/

Other forms: cubicles

A cubicle is a small space partitioned off within a larger space for a particular purpose — usually reading or studying. Or just surfing the Internet.

Cubicle comes from the Latin term for a monk's bedroom, cubiculum, which itself is from the word cubare, "to lie down." Back then a monk would probably share it with an illuminated manuscript and a Bible; nowadays the average worker drone has a computer and a bunch of Post-it notes. Still great for sleeping in, though, as long as you don't get caught.

Definitions of cubicle

1. noun

   small area set off by walls for special use
   synonyms: booth, kiosk, stall

   types:

   confessional

   a booth where a priest sits to hear confessions

   polling booth

   a temporary booth in a polling place which people enter to cast their votes

   prompt box, prompter's box

   a booth projecting above the floor in the front of a stage where the prompter sits; opens toward the performers on stage

   shower bath, shower stall

   booth for washing yourself, usually in a bathroom

   call box, phone booth, telephone booth, telephone box, telephone kiosk

   booth for using a telephone

   tolbooth, tollbooth, tollhouse

   a booth at a tollgate where the toll collector collects tolls

   voting booth

   a booth in which a person can cast a private vote

   type of:

   closet

   a small private room for study or prayer
2. noun

   small individual study area in a library
   synonyms: carrel, carrell, stall

   type of:

   alcove, bay

   a small recess opening off a larger room
3. noun

   small room in which a monk or nun lives
   synonyms: cell

   type of:

   room

   an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling