beanbag

American  

[been-bag] / ˈbinˌbæg /

noun

1. a small cloth bag filled with dried beans, as for tossing in various children's games.

2. any such game.

3. any similar bag used as a cushion or support, as the base for an ashtray, etc.

4. Also called beanbag chair.  a large, soft, frameless chair resembling a beanbag, typically a clothlike plastic shell, filled with plastic chips, that molds itself readily to the contours of the occupant.

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beanbag British  

/ ˈbiːnˌbæɡ /

noun

1. a small cloth bag filled with dried beans and thrown in games

2. Also called: sag bag.  a very large cushion loosely filled with foam rubber or polystyrene granules so that it moulds into a comfortable shape: used as an informal low seat

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Etymology

Origin of beanbag

First recorded in 1870–75; bean + bag

Explanation

A beanbag is a bag filled with dried beans that's used for recreation or relaxation. A big beanbag is large enough to sit on while you watch TV. Smaller beanbags are used in games like "beanbag toss," or for learning to juggle, while large ones can be used as lightweight, portable furniture. Most beanbags are made from cloth or plastic, and filled with actual beans or small plastic beads. The word beanbag, or bean-bag, has been around since the late 1800s, though the beanbag chair wasn't invented until 1969.

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