# ottoman

/ˈɑtəmən/ (US) · /ˈɒtəmən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ottoman
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. furniture

noun · CEFR B2

a soft, padded piece of furniture without a back or arms, used as a seat or a place to rest your feet.

For teachers: a piece of upholstered furniture, typically a low stool or padded bench without a back or arms, often serving as a footrest or containing storage space.

- He sat in the armchair and put his feet up on the ottoman.
- The designer selected a velvet-covered ottoman to serve as both a coffee table and extra seating in the compact living room.

### 2. historical empire

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to the Ottoman Empire, which was a powerful state based in Turkey for hundreds of years.

For teachers: relating to the dynasty of Osman I or the empire he founded, which controlled much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa.

- We studied Ottoman history and the architecture of Istanbul in school.
- The museum features an extensive collection of Ottoman ceramics and textiles dating back to the sixteenth century.

### 3. a person

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person who lived in or served the Ottoman Empire.

For teachers: a subject or citizen of the Ottoman Empire, or a member of the ruling Ottoman dynasty.

- The book describes the daily lives of Ottomans living in the capital.
- Diplomatic records from the era detail the complex negotiations between European powers and the Ottomans.

### 4. fabric

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a strong, heavy cloth with a ribbed pattern, often used for coats or furniture.

For teachers: a heavy, corded fabric with a pronounced ribbed effect, typically made from silk, cotton, or synthetic blends.

- The curtains were made of a heavy grey ottoman fabric.
- The evening gown was constructed from silk ottoman, providing the structural stiffness required for the dramatic silhouette.

## Examples

- She rested her feet on the soft ottoman while reading.
- The living room set includes a large sofa and a matching ottoman that opens up to store blankets.
- In contemporary interior design, a large central ottoman often replaces the traditional coffee table to provide a softer aesthetic and additional seating for guests.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.