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

Example Sentences

I rest my head against the side of the armchair.

From Literature

Located at the base of a 100-foot water drainage pipe, the sprawling secret cavern also contained a home gym, armchair and television.

From Los Angeles Times

The room was dark wood, with a wall of built-in bookshelves and a couple of leather armchairs on a slightly worn rug.

From Literature

Using the political polls to time the stock market is little more than idle armchair speculation.

From MarketWatch

Just a heavy wood desk, a few armchairs, and that unblinking eye painted on the glass window.

From Literature

Related Words

• recliner