armchair
AHMT-sheh-uh
Armchair (noun) means a chair with side supports for resting the arms. Example: “He fell asleep in the armchair after dinner.”
noun
1
A chair with side supports for resting the arms.
"He fell asleep in the armchair after dinner."
adjective
1
Describing someone who comments or gives opinions on a subject without real experience or involvement.
"Every armchair critic online had an opinion about the manager's tactics."
"He's an armchair expert on foreign policy who has never left the country."
How to use armchair
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA padded chair with armrests; figuratively, describes people who opine from the sidelines rather than direct experience.
Common mistake
The figurative sense ("armchair critic") is always at least mildly dismissive — it implies the person lacks real hands-on experience.
Common pairings
armchair critic
armchair expert
armchair traveller
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Word forms
- Plural
- armchairs
- Third person singular
- armchairs
- Past tense
- armchaired
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He fell asleep in the _____ after dinner.
Etymology
From arm + chair.
Rhymes for armchair
See all rhymes for armchair →Frequently asked questions
What does “armchair” mean?
The word “armchair” means a chair with side supports for resting the arms. In plain terms, a padded chair with armrests; figuratively, describes people who opine from the sidelines rather than direct experience.
How do you pronounce “armchair”?
“Armchair” is pronounced AHMT-sheh-uh (/ˈɑɹmt͡ʃɛɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “armchair” in a sentence?
Here is “armchair” used in a sentence: “He fell asleep in the armchair after dinner.”
What part of speech is “armchair”?
Depending on how it is used, “armchair” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “armchair” a common word?
“Armchair” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “armchair” have?
“Armchair” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a chair with side supports for resting the arms.
