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armchair

/ˈɑrmtʃɛr/

/ˈɑmtʃɛə/

Other forms: armchairs

An armchair is a comfortable, cushioned chair with a support on each side, where you can rest your arms while you sit. Some armchairs are big enough that you can curl up and read a book in them.

Armchairs are distinguished by their "arms," rests built to comfortably support your arms. Most armchairs are also upholstered and soft enough for you to sink into a bit when you sit down. The word is also used as an adjective to jokingly describe someone who isn't an expert in something but acts like one: "Those armchair athletes always seem to know what the players and coaches should have done."

Definitions of armchair
  1. noun
    chair with a support on each side for arms
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    types:
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    captain's chair
    a wooden armchair with a saddle seat and a low back that has vertical spindles
    easy chair, lounge chair, overstuffed chair
    a comfortable upholstered armchair
    fauteuil
    an upholstered armchair
    Morris chair
    an armchair with an adjustable back
    lounger, recliner, reclining chair
    an armchair whose back can be lowered and foot can be raised to allow the sitter to recline in it
    wing chair
    easy chair having wings on each side of a high back
    type of:
    chair
    a seat for one person, with a support for the back
Pronunciation
US

/ˈɑrmtʃɛr/

UK

/ˈɑmtʃɛə/

DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘armchair'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family
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