settee

American  

[set-tee] / sɛtˈti /

noun

1. a seat for two or more persons, having a back and usually arms, and often upholstered.

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settee British  

/ sɛˈtiː /

noun

1. a seat, for two or more people, with a back and usually with arms

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Etymology

Origin of settee

First recorded in 1710–20; perhaps variant of settle ²

Explanation

A settee is similar to a loveseat, an upholstered piece of furniture that's big enough for more than one person to sit on. If you don't have enough comfortable places to sit in your apartment, you might consider buying a settee. The definition of a settee is essentially the same as a sofa: an upholstered bench with a back and arms. It's more commonly used in Britain than the U.S., and has an old-fashioned sound to it, but you can use this word to describe your loveseat or couch if you like: "Come sit on the settee with me!" Etymologists' best guess about the word's origin is that settee is related to settle, "sit comfortably."

Example Sentences

“It may take some time for people to recover from the trauma caused by this lengthy manhunt,” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee, leader of an indigenous advocacy group in Manitoba.

From Reuters • Aug. 7, 2019

“Here students are really getting developed to be trained capitalists,” said Priscilla Settee, a professor of indigenous and gender studies at the University of Saskatchewan.

From New York Times • Jun. 19, 2017

Settee, se-tē′, n. a single-decked Mediterranean vessel with long prow and lateen sails.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

Now, really, Settee, do try not to footle like this!

From Voces Populi by Anstey, F.

He sat down upon a rich Settee; and took hold of my Hand, and said, Don't doubt me, Pamela.

From Pamela Censured by Anonymous

Related Words

• love seat
• sofa