stool
stool
Stool (noun) means a simple seat for one person with no back or armrests. Example: “She perched on a bar stool while waiting for her order.”
noun
1
A simple seat for one person with no back or armrests.
"She perched on a bar stool while waiting for her order."
"The kitchen island has three stools tucked underneath it."
2
Solid waste passed from the body; feces.
"The doctor asked for a stool sample to check for infection."
How to use stool
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA backless single seat, or (in medical contexts) a bowel movement.
When to use it
The medical sense is the standard clinical term, not a euphemism — doctors and nurses use it plainly.
Common pairings
bar stool
stool sample
perch on a stool
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Word forms
- Plural
- stools
- Third person singular
- stools
- Past tense
- stooled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She perched on a bar _____ while waiting for her order.
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".
Related words
Rhymes for stool
See all rhymes for 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.
