armchair

[ ahrm-chair ]

/ ˈɑrmˌtʃɛər /

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See synonyms for armchair on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

adjective

theorizing without the benefit of practical experience: an armchair football coach.

participating or experiencing indirectly or vicariously: an armchair traveler.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of armchair

First recorded in 1625–35; arm¹ + chair

Words nearby armchair

armature, armature reaction, Armavir, armband, arm candy, armchair, Armco, armed, armed forces, Armed Forces Day, armed neutrality

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use armchair in a sentence

We have all had to learn to be armchair epidemiologists and now we have these new realities.
Many who have received the coronavirus vaccine wonder: What can I safely do?|Laurie McGinley, Lenny Bernstein|February 1, 2021|Washington Post
As armies of armchair investors download brokerage apps, stock prices have looked increasingly detached from economic reality.
The dark side of the democratization of trading|John Detrixhe|January 29, 2021|Quartz
We’ve selected the best stylish fabric armchairs for your living room from classic comfort, to chic swivel - perfect for the everyday and sophisticated enough for your special gatherings.
The best fabric armchairs for your living room|PopSci Commerce Team|January 6, 2021|Popular-Science
The trails range in length from 54 miles to 5,000 and are perfect for socially distant adventures—whether you decide to hike, bike, or armchair-dream about them.
36 Awesome Gifts for Adventure Travelers|Mary Turner and Erin Riley|December 11, 2020|Outside Online

In fact, the armchair-travel nature of the postcards has led to the project’s most successful year yet.
Not getting any travel postcards? A project in Mali delivers delight — and a lifeline.|Bailey Berg|December 3, 2020|Washington Post
“I love Christmas,” he begins in the film, smiling in an armchair.
Kirk Cameron Saves Christmas from Abominable Killjoys (Other Christians)|Brandy Zadrozny|November 14, 2014|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.
The True Story of ‘The Elephant Man’|Russell Saunders|November 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Armchair sleuths have been competing for years to determine the identity of one of the most notorious serial killers.
Jack the Ripper Is Still at Large|Christopher Moraff|September 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As a result, Akerman said CrowdMed may appeal to the more neurotic of us who wish to be “armchair physicians.”
Strangers Diagnose Your Illness and Get Cash in Return|Kevin Zawacki|August 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Raoul Walsh saw him effortlessly carrying an armchair above his head and was captivated.
A New Biography Shows That ‘John Wayne’ Was His Own Best Creation|Christopher Bray|April 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A big dictionary placed in an armchair, raised little Henrietta to the proper height at the Norwood dinner table.
The Campfire Girls of Roselawn|Margaret Penrose
Hans Fennefos entered, saluted Sarah, and at the same time inquired for whom the armchair was placed by her side.
Skipper Worse|Alexander Lange Kielland
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.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
Over this pit is an armchair, to which the deceased bonze is fastened in full costume.
A Woman's Journey Round the World|Ida Pfeiffer
Scattergood went back to his hardware store and sat down in his reinforced armchair on the piazza.
Scattergood Baines|Clarence Budington Kelland

British Dictionary definitions for armchair

armchair

/ (ˈɑːmˌtʃɛə) /

noun

a chair, esp an upholstered one, that has side supports for the arms or elbows

(modifier) taking no active part; lacking practical experience; theoreticalan armchair strategist

(modifier) participated in away from the place of action or in the homearmchair theatre

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

armchair

Origin of armchair

Words nearby armchair

Words related to armchair

How to use armchair in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for armchair