armchair

[ ahrm-chair ]

noun

1. a chair with sidepieces or arms to support a person's forearms or elbows.

adjective

1. theorizing without the benefit of practical experience:

   an armchair football coach.

2. participating or experiencing indirectly or vicariously:

   an armchair traveler.

armchair

/ ˈɑːmˌtʃɛə /

noun

1. a chair, esp an upholstered one, that has side supports for the arms or elbows
2. modifier taking no active part; lacking practical experience; theoretical

   an armchair strategist

3. modifier participated in away from the place of action or in the home

   armchair theatre

Word History and Origins

Origin of armchair¹

First recorded in 1625–35; arm ¹ + chair

Example Sentences

“I love Christmas,” he begins in the film, smiling in an armchair.

From The Daily Beast

He slept in an upright position in a custom armchair, so the reasons for his lying down to sleep are open to speculation.

From The Daily Beast

Armchair sleuths have been competing for years to determine the identity of one of the most notorious serial killers.

From The Daily Beast

As a result, Akerman said CrowdMed may appeal to the more neurotic of us who wish to be “armchair physicians.”

From The Daily Beast

Raoul Walsh saw him effortlessly carrying an armchair above his head and was captivated.

From The Daily Beast

A big dictionary placed in an armchair, raised little Henrietta to the proper height at the Norwood dinner table.

From Project Gutenberg

Hans Fennefos entered, saluted Sarah, and at the same time inquired for whom the armchair was placed by her side.

From Project Gutenberg

He had been sitting at his ease in an armchair, over the back of which he had tossed the baldric from which his sword depended.

From Project Gutenberg

Over this pit is an armchair, to which the deceased bonze is fastened in full costume.

From Project Gutenberg

Scattergood went back to his hardware store and sat down in his reinforced armchair on the piazza.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• recliner