sofa
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of sofa
1615–25; < Turkish < Arabic ṣuffah platform used as a seat
Explanation
A sofa is a piece of furniture that a few people can comfortably sit on together. On a rainy weekend, you and your friends might pile on the sofa to watch scary movies and eat popcorn. A sofa is similar to a couch — officially, it needs to seat at least three or more people to qualify as a sofa. If only two people can fit, it's a love seat. And if it's only big enough for you and your pet hedgehog, it's an armchair. Sofas are typically upholstered, with a high back and arms. The word originated from Turkish, from an Arabic root, suffa, "bench of stone or wood."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On a warm day in mid-May, Grohl appears relaxed and self-assured — but not arrogant — as she idles on a sofa in a cozy Studio City ADU owned by her publicist.
From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026
Remediating smoke damage to walls is usually covered, but not necessarily replacing a $20,000 sofa.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026
The scandal erupted in 2022 when the country's former spy boss filed a complaint with the police alleging that Ramaphosa had concealed the theft from beneath sofa cushions at his ranch.
From Barron's • May 8, 2026
"She's been unbelievable," said Emma, before turning to her daughter sitting next to her on the sofa and saying: "You're my little star, aren't you."
From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026
She wanted Daddy to pick her up in his strong arms and carry her to the sofa.
From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
