Word
armchair
Phoneticsarm·chair, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɑɹmˌtʃɛɹ/
UK/ˈɑːmtʃeə/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a comfortable chair with side parts where you can rest your arms.
n. a comfortable, upholstered chair featuring side supports for the occupant's forearms.
Examples
“He fell asleep in his favorite armchair.”
“She sat in the velvet armchair by the fireplace to read her book.”
“The study was furnished with two heavy leather armchairs, positioned to face the large window overlooking the garden.”
Examples
simple
“He fell asleep in his favorite armchair.”
contextual
“She sat in the velvet armchair by the fireplace to read her book.”
complex
“The study was furnished with two heavy leather armchairs, positioned to face the large window overlooking the garden.”
Usage
Often used as a modifier before another noun to describe someone who has theoretical rather than practical experience, such as an 'armchair critic'.
Etymology
From arm + chair.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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