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

But the scandal was perfect fodder for armchair sleuths and conspiracy theorists, and the Long Island serial killer myth and mysteries persisted, until Heuermann's arrest on 13 July, 2023.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

I am blindfolded and seated in a vintage armchair set in the center of a darkened, red-lit room with Gothic accents.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

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

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

This was one of those times when she wished she were sitting in a big black leather armchair with a weird-looking cat and an unlit cigar.

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi

Related Words

• recliner