armchair

American  

[ahrm-chair] / ˈɑrmˌtʃɛər /

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of armchair

First recorded in 1625–35; arm ¹ + chair

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

Francisco Gonzalez, a 79-year-old retiree, also said he had a sleepless night in the dark, "sitting in an armchair at home, waiting for the power to come back on."

From Barron's • Mar. 22, 2026

On a Saturday night in November 2001, 91-year-old Mabel Leyshon was watching TV in her favourite armchair.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Nanos’s decision to declare the crime scene at Guthrie’s home “done” so early in the investigation has drawn criticism from armchair pundits and former law-enforcement officials.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

But her sadness is not just about this wooden armchair; it’s about what the chair represents.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

Welchman made himself at home, dropping into a sagging armchair that was probably quite comfortable during the reign of King George III. He said, “Which way do the hands of a clock move?”

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• recliner