beanbag

American  

[been-bag] / ˈbinˌbæg /

noun

1. a small cloth bag filled with dried beans, as for tossing in various children's games.

2. any such game.

3. any similar bag used as a cushion or support, as the base for an ashtray, etc.

4. Also called beanbag chair.  a large, soft, frameless chair resembling a beanbag, typically a clothlike plastic shell, filled with plastic chips, that molds itself readily to the contours of the occupant.

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beanbag British  

/ ˈbiːnˌbæɡ /

noun

1. a small cloth bag filled with dried beans and thrown in games

2. Also called: sag bag.  a very large cushion loosely filled with foam rubber or polystyrene granules so that it moulds into a comfortable shape: used as an informal low seat

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Etymology

Origin of beanbag

First recorded in 1870–75; bean + bag

Explanation

A beanbag is a bag filled with dried beans that's used for recreation or relaxation. A big beanbag is large enough to sit on while you watch TV. Smaller beanbags are used in games like "beanbag toss," or for learning to juggle, while large ones can be used as lightweight, portable furniture. Most beanbags are made from cloth or plastic, and filled with actual beans or small plastic beads. The word beanbag, or bean-bag, has been around since the late 1800s, though the beanbag chair wasn't invented until 1969.

Example Sentences

Each baby lay comfortably on a soft beanbag while wearing sound-cancelling headphones and viewing bright, colorful images designed to hold their attention for 15-20 minutes.

From Science Daily • Feb. 5, 2026

The department is also making less-lethal devices — such as Tasers, beanbag shotguns and foam round launchers — more readily available to officers, while limiting the number of cops who have their guns drawn.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2025

The jury heard that Genevieve had been swaddled and face down on the beanbag when she became unwell.

From BBC • May 20, 2024

Considered the original beanbag, the Sacco chair is the rare design object to become an instant classic in both rec rooms and museum collections.

From New York Times • Mar. 28, 2024

“I still like the beanbag chairs, though,” Oliver says.

From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks

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