armchair

American  

[ahrm-chair] / ˈɑrmˌtʃɛər /

noun

• armchairs
  plural

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

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adjective

1. theorizing without the benefit of practical experience.

   an armchair football coach.

2. participating or experiencing indirectly or vicariously.

   an armchair traveler.

armchair British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• armchairs
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of armchair

First recorded in 1625–35; arm ¹ + chair

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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

See Examples For:

armchair armchairs

Even for armchair fans watching at home, the breadth and expense of television subscriptions can be a barrier to accessing sport.

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026

Green Gallery included one of these pieces, an armchair called “Accumulation No. 1,” in a group show in June 1962 alongside Pop pioneers such as Oldenburg.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026

The “living room” was furnished with what appeared to be a bookshelf, plants, a coffee table, an armchair, a desk chair and even paintings on the walls.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 8, 2026

Seated in an armchair, dressed in a blue hospital gown, with his left arm in a sling, the security guard said his faith sustained him during the harrowing hours.

From Barron's ● Jul. 5, 2026

There is a couch, an armchair, a coffee table, a dining table with chairs, a small kitchenette, and a desk.

From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon

Earlier this month, Roberts spotted Aaron in one of the armchairs in the middle of the visitors clubhouse in Pittsburgh.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 28, 2026

Then she built two armchairs in that room that I bought from her in the same drapes.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 7, 2026

Levies on imported cabinets and vanities were set to rise to 50% on Jan. 1, while upholstered products, such as sofas and armchairs, were scheduled to face a 30% tariff rate.

From Barron's ● Jan. 2, 2026

Upholstered wooden products, things like sofas and armchairs, were to be slapped with a 30% tariff.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 1, 2026

The old aunts lounge in the white wicker armchairs, flipping open their fans, snapping them shut.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez

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