armchair
Americannoun
adjective
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theorizing without the benefit of practical experience.
an armchair football coach.
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participating or experiencing indirectly or vicariously.
an armchair traveler.
noun
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a chair, esp an upholstered one, that has side supports for the arms or elbows
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(modifier) taking no active part; lacking practical experience; theoretical
an armchair strategist
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(modifier) participated in away from the place of action or in the home
armchair theatre
Etymology
Origin of armchair
Explanation
An armchair is a comfortable, cushioned chair with a support on each side, where you can rest your arms while you sit. Some armchairs are big enough that you can curl up and read a book in them. Armchairs are distinguished by their "arms," rests built to comfortably support your arms. Most armchairs are also upholstered and soft enough for you to sink into a bit when you sit down. The word is also used as an adjective to jokingly describe someone who isn't an expert in something but acts like one: "Those armchair athletes always seem to know what the players and coaches should have done."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You can easily catch up on your Chinese from the comfort of your own armchair, at whatever time is most convenient for you.
From Science Daily • May 22, 2026
Nearby, collector Ilva Lorduy watched the five-minute sale from an oversize white armchair, as dealer Sam Orlofsky whispered with a friend beneath a wall-size orange Richard Prince work created from Tiffany ads.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026
Brooke Shields would not consider herself an armchair detective by any means.
From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026
But continuing weak television figures and rights fees show this has yet to be a hit with armchair fans.
From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026
She laid the gown neatly over a stunning Louis XV gilt wood armchair that would nowadays be in a museum.
From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
