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

Ariel Gordon, a jewelry designer, outfitted a backyard work-from-home studio with a Murphy bed from California Closets for the same reason.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 12, 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

And they have a whole community center and I got this little studio apartment there with a Murphy bed that folds out, and I think it was like $550.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2023

She’ll replace an antique dresser with a low cabinet-style Murphy bed.

From Washington Post • Dec. 13, 2022

The office also contains a secret: The teal wall unit with built-in shelving with artwork permanently affixed to its facade actually contains a full-size Murphy bed.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 30, 2022