sofa
SOH-fuh
Sofa (noun) means a long upholstered seat with a back and arms, meant for two or more people. Example: “They spent the evening curled up on the sofa watching movies.”
noun
1
A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, meant for two or more people.
"He bought a big sofa two days before his relatives arrived."
"They spent the evening curled up on the sofa watching movies."
"The cat claimed the end of the sofa as her favourite spot."
"We bought a new sofa that is wide enough for three adults."
How to use sofa
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA couch — a padded seat for two or more people.
UK vs US
British English favors "sofa"; American English often says "couch," though both are widely understood.
Common pairings
sit on the sofa
sofa bed
leather sofa
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Word forms
- Plural
- sofas
- Third person singular
- sofas
- Past tense
- sofaed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They spent the evening curled up on the _____ watching movies.
Etymology
Borrowed from French sofa, ultimately from Arabic ṣuffa, a raised, carpeted stone seat.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “sofa” mean?
The word “sofa” means a long upholstered seat with a back and arms, meant for two or more people. In plain terms, a couch — a padded seat for two or more people.
How do you pronounce “sofa”?
“Sofa” is pronounced SOH-fuh (/ˈsoʊ̯fə/ in IPA).
How do you use “sofa” in a sentence?
Here is “sofa” used in a sentence: “They spent the evening curled up on the sofa watching movies.”
What part of speech is “sofa”?
“Sofa” is a noun.
Where does the word “sofa” come from?
The word “sofa” comes from French. Borrowed from French sofa, ultimately from Arabic ṣuffa, a raised, carpeted stone seat.
Is “sofa” a common word?
“Sofa” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between a sofa and a couch?
"Sofa" and "couch" both refer to a long upholstered seat with a back and arms meant for two or more people, and in modern usage they are essentially interchangeable. "Sofa" is often considered slightly more formal or British, while "couch" is more common in casual American English.
What is the difference between a sofa and a loveseat?
A sofa is a long upholstered seat designed for two or more people, while a loveseat is a smaller version meant for just two people. The distinction is mainly one of size and seating capacity.
Is "sofa" a formal or informal word?
"Sofa" is a standard, neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts, such as furniture catalogs, interior design writing, and everyday conversation. It carries no particular slang or casual connotation.
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