Murphy bed

American  

noun

1. a bed constructed so that it can be folded or swung into a closet.

---

Murphy bed British  

noun

1. a bed designed to be folded or swung into a cabinet when not in use

---

Etymology

Origin of Murphy bed

1920–25; named after William L. Murphy (1876–1959), American inventor

Example Sentences

One woman passed out flyers for a furnished studio in downtown L.A. with air conditioning, a Murphy bed, an in-unit washer and dryer and streaming TV.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

Whether you’re installing bookshelves, a wall-mounted Murphy bed or full-on built-in furniture, you set your mark on your home with high-quality built-ins.

From Seattle Times • May 9, 2024

With only enough money to rent studio apartments, Naidorf’s parents slept on a Murphy bed while Naidorf spent his nights on a mattress on the floor.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2023

Two other bedrooms, including one with a Murphy bed, on this floor could be used as home offices.

From Washington Post • Jan. 6, 2023

Folaron has since graduated from nursing school and moved with her husband to a home in Tucson, Arizona, where she is once again considering adding a Murphy bed.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 30, 2022