sofa

American  

[soh-fuh] / ˈsoʊ fə /

noun

1. a long, upholstered couch with a back and two arms or raised ends.

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sofa British  

/ ˈsəʊfə /

noun

1. an upholstered seat with back and arms for two or more people

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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

The well-worn sofa and adjacent armchairs suggest it’s because people sit in it.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

In late 2024, Soderbergh and Solomon met with McKellen on the same sofa where we’re now doing this interview.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Now 43, his life today is a million miles away from when he had to go to sleep hungry on a friend's sofa.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

It now stands next to his four Excalibur IIs, lovingly lined up like soldiers on his living-room sofa.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

I sit on the sofa bed and make a big show of changing my socks.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

• love seat
• settee