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

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

Multipurpose design has come a long way since the Murphy bed was invented in 1900 to allow rooms to be “parlors” by day and bedrooms by night.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 13, 2023

Two other bedrooms, including one with a Murphy bed, on this floor could be used as home offices.

From Washington Post • Jan. 6, 2023

Folaron has since graduated from nursing school and moved with her husband to a home in Tucson, Arizona, where she is once again considering adding a Murphy bed.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 30, 2022