noun

kiosk

KEE-osk/ˈkiːɑːsk/

A compact station providing a particular public service.

The vendor hands a bottled drink through the kiosk's open service window.

A compact freestanding sales booth with a roof and open service window, where a vendor hands a bottled drink to a customer.

Etymology

From a word for a palace, villa, or pavilion, kiosk first named an open pavilion in English. Resemblance in shape extended the name to street newsstands, leading to today's booth sense.

In context

The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey30:01

installed a little kiosk in the Farley Service Center on the AC expressway, so if you're ever going through there, they have a kiosk talking about their environmental program

Critter Crossings: Making New Jersey's Roads Safe for Wildlife and People

More examples

She buys a newspaper at the kiosk near the entrance.
The information kiosk displays a map of the museum.
Customers can pay their bills at self-service kiosks.

Forms

kiosk · kiosks

Similar words

booth: Emphasizes a small enclosed space, often staffed by someone.
terminal: Specifically denotes a computer access point, not a staffed booth.
stand: Usually emphasizes a simple place for selling or displaying goods.