chair
11 synonyms and 0 antonyms for chair, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A piece of furniture for one person to sit on, typically with a back and four legs.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use chair
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French chaiere, from Latin cathedra ("seat"), from Greek kathedra — the same root behind "cathedral" and "chaise."
Full origin of chair →Frequently asked questions
What does “chair” mean?
The word “chair” means a piece of furniture for one person to sit on, typically with a back and four legs. In plain terms, a seat for one person, or the person (or role) in charge of running a meeting or committee.
How do you pronounce “chair”?
“Chair” is pronounced cheh-uh (/t͡ʃɛɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “chair” in a sentence?
Here is “chair” used in a sentence: “She pulled up a chair and joined the conversation.”
What part of speech is “chair”?
Depending on how it is used, “chair” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “chair” come from?
The word “chair” comes from Latin. From Old French chaiere, from Latin cathedra ("seat"), from Greek kathedra — the same root behind "cathedral" and "chaise.".
Is “chair” a common word?
“Chair” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “chair” have?
“Chair” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a piece of furniture for one person to sit on, typically with a back and four legs.
What is the difference between a chair and a stool?
The main difference is the back. A chair has a supporting back to lean against and usually four legs, while a stool has a seat with no back and often no arms. Stools tend to be simpler and are common at bars and counters, where quick, upright seating is useful.
What is the difference between a chair and an armchair?
An armchair is a type of chair with padded supports on each side for resting the arms, making it wider and more comfortable for relaxing. A basic chair, such as a dining or office chair, may have no arms at all. Every armchair is a chair, but not every chair has arms.
What are the types of chairs?
Chairs come in many forms suited to different uses: dining chairs for the table, office chairs on wheels, armchairs and recliners for relaxing, rocking chairs, folding chairs for extra seating, and high chairs for infants. They vary widely in material, from wood and metal to plastic and upholstery.
Does 'chair' also mean a person?
Yes. Beyond the furniture, 'chair' refers to the person who leads a meeting, committee, or organisation — short for chairperson, chairman, or chairwoman. To 'chair' a meeting is to run it. The term comes from the seat of authority once occupied by whoever presided.