stool
12 synonyms for stool, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A simple seat for one person with no back or armrests.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use stool
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
bar stool
stool sample
perch on a stool
The medical sense is the standard clinical term, not a euphemism — doctors and nurses use it plainly.
Etymology
From Old English stōl ("chair, seat"), an ancient Germanic word also behind German Stuhl and Dutch stoel; ultimately from a root meaning "to stand".
Full origin of stool →Frequently asked questions
What does “stool” mean?
The word “stool” means a simple seat for one person with no back or armrests. In plain terms, a backless single seat, or (in medical contexts) a bowel movement.
How do you pronounce “stool”?
“Stool” is pronounced stool (/stuːl/ in IPA).
How do you use “stool” in a sentence?
Here is “stool” used in a sentence: “She perched on a bar stool while waiting for her order.”
What part of speech is “stool”?
“Stool” is a noun.
Where does the word “stool” come from?
The word “stool” comes from Old English. From Old English stōl ("chair, seat"), an ancient Germanic word also behind German Stuhl and Dutch stoel; ultimately from a root meaning "to stand".
Is “stool” a common word?
“Stool” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “stool” have?
“Stool” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a simple seat for one person with no back or armrests.
