bench
BEHNCH
Bench (noun) means a long seat for more than one person, found in parks, courts, or changing rooms. Example: “They sat on a park bench and watched the ducks.”
noun
1
A long seat for more than one person, found in parks, courts, or changing rooms.
"They sat on a park bench and watched the ducks."
"There is room for three people on the bench outside the changing rooms."
"We found an empty bench by the river and ate our sandwiches."
2
The judge or judges in a court, collectively; the judiciary.
"The bench ruled that the evidence was inadmissible."
"The case was heard before a bench of three senior judges."
"Lawyers must show respect when they address the bench."
3
In sport, where substitute players and coaches sit, or those players collectively.
"Our bench added real depth in the second half."
"The manager looked down the bench and chose a fresh striker to send on."
"Our bench cheered loudly every time the captain touched the ball."
4
A sturdy work surface, as in a workshop or kitchen.
"She chopped the onions on the bench beside the cooker."
"The carpenter kept his chisels in a drawer under the bench."
"He clamped the wood to the workbench."
verb
1
To remove a player from a game or a person from active duty, usually temporarily.
"The coach benched him after two missed practices."
"The club decided to bench its goalkeeper after a string of mistakes."
"If you keep arriving late, the captain will bench you for the next match."
2
Short for "bench press" — to lift a weighted barbell while lying on a bench.
"He can bench twice his body weight."
"I can only bench a light weight at the moment, but I am improving."
"Do you bench on Mondays, or do you do squats instead?"
How to use bench
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA long seat, a judge’s seat (and the judiciary itself), a substitutes’ area in sport, a work surface, or (as a verb) to sideline someone or to bench-press weights.
Common pairings
bench press
the judicial bench
ride the bench
workbench
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Word forms
- Plural
- benches
- Third person singular
- benches
- Past tense
- benched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They sat on a park _____ and watched the ducks.
Etymology
From Old English benċ, "bench" — related to "bank" (both come from the same old Germanic root for a raised seat or shelf).
Related words
Rhymes for bench
See all rhymes for bench →Frequently asked questions
What does “bench” mean?
The word “bench” means a long seat for more than one person, found in parks, courts, or changing rooms. In plain terms, a long seat, a judge’s seat (and the judiciary itself), a substitutes’ area in sport, a work surface, or (as a verb) to sideline someone or to bench-press weights.
How do you pronounce “bench”?
“Bench” is pronounced BEHNCH (/ˈbɛnt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “bench” in a sentence?
Here is “bench” used in a sentence: “They sat on a park bench and watched the ducks.”
What part of speech is “bench”?
Depending on how it is used, “bench” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “bench” come from?
The word “bench” comes from Old English. From Old English benċ, "bench" — related to "bank" (both come from the same old Germanic root for a raised seat or shelf).
Is “bench” a common word?
“Bench” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “bench” have?
“Bench” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long seat for more than one person, found in parks, courts, or changing rooms.
What is the difference between a bench and a chair?
A chair is designed to seat one person and usually has a back and arms. A bench is a long, backless or backed seat built for several people to sit side by side. Benches are common in parks, hallways, and changing rooms, where seating many people matters more than individual comfort.
What does "the bench" mean in law and sports?
Beyond furniture, the bench has figurative meanings. In law, the bench refers to judges collectively or the office of a judge, from the seat they occupy in court. In sport, the bench is where substitute players sit, so a benched player is one kept out of the game.
What are the types of bench?
Benches vary by setting and purpose. Park benches are outdoor seats, often of wood or metal. Changing-room and locker benches suit sports facilities. A workbench is a sturdy table for hands-on tasks, and a weight bench supports the body during exercise. Most share the long, functional form.
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