armchair
Americannoun
adjective
-
theorizing without the benefit of practical experience.
an armchair football coach.
-
participating or experiencing indirectly or vicariously.
an armchair traveler.
noun
-
a chair, esp an upholstered one, that has side supports for the arms or elbows
-
(modifier) taking no active part; lacking practical experience; theoretical
an armchair strategist
-
(modifier) participated in away from the place of action or in the home
armchair theatre
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
Armchair belts are often single straps of padded material which fit around the lower torso of the person using it while they are sitting upright, with the aim of holding them in place.
From BBC • Apr. 20, 2025
Armchair sleuthing went to such extremes, in fact, that British actor, writer, and director Sean Foley was baselessly accused of being the real-life Darrien.
From Salon • Apr. 24, 2024
Armchair quarterbacking when you’re the president is fraught when you’re the one with the ball.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 13, 2022
Armchair fashion critics, rejoice: The entertainment industry’s most stylish night is upon us!
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2022
Course, I won’t be selling this particular pin on the Armchair Shopping Network.”
From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray
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.
