rocking chair

American  

noun

1. a chair mounted on rockers or springs so as to permit a person to rock back and forth while sitting.

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rocking chair British  

noun

1. a chair set on curving supports so that the sitter may rock backwards and forwards

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Etymology

Origin of rocking chair

An Americanism dating back to 1750–60

Example Sentences

I’d rather have a big pile of Benjamins when I’m ready for my rocking chair.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 27, 2026

The left-hander would take one more trip around the league, then settle into a rocking chair and wait for the Hall of Fame to call.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 20, 2025

"Some of us are just made that way. We are not made to sit in a rocking chair and knit," KlimaSeniorinnen member Elisabeth Stern, 76, told BBC News.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2024

Asked about her commitment to the case for nine years, she said: "Some of us are just made that way. We are not made to sit in a rocking chair and knit."

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2024

Seated in his rocking chair, perhaps thinking of their carriage ride that afternoon, Lincoln reached out and held Mary’s hand.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson