Murphy bed

American  

noun

1. a bed constructed so that it can be folded or swung into a closet.

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Murphy bed British  

noun

1. a bed designed to be folded or swung into a cabinet when not in use

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Etymology

Origin of Murphy bed

1920–25; named after William L. Murphy (1876–1959), American inventor

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Murphy bed

One woman passed out flyers for a furnished studio in downtown L.A. with air conditioning, a Murphy bed, an in-unit washer and dryer and streaming TV.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 21, 2025

With limited economic resources, he began scouring online marketplaces to surround his Murphy bed with a cheap wooden table, a budget chandelier, battery-powered candles and modest wall sconces.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 4, 2024

Whether you’re installing bookshelves, a wall-mounted Murphy bed or full-on built-in furniture, you set your mark on your home with high-quality built-ins.

From Seattle Times ● May 9, 2024

She’ll replace an antique dresser with a low cabinet-style Murphy bed.

From Washington Post ● Dec. 13, 2022

Using a hardware kit from Create-A-Bed in Louisville, Kentucky, she built a full-size Murphy bed.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 30, 2022