davenport

¹

[ dav-uhn-pawrt, -pohrt ]

noun

1. a large sofa, often one convertible into a bed.
2. Chiefly British. a small writing desk.

Davenport

²

[ dav-uhn-pawrt, -pohrt ]

noun

1. John, 1597–1670, Puritan clergyman: one of the founders of New Haven.
2. a city in E Iowa, on the Mississippi River.

davenport

/ ˈdævənˌpɔːt /

noun

1. a tall narrow desk with a slanted writing surface and drawers at the side
2. a large sofa, esp one convertible into a bed

Word History and Origins

Origin of davenport¹

First recorded in 1850–55; the desk is said to be named after a Captain Davenport who first commissioned it

Word History and Origins

Origin of davenport¹

C19: sense 1 said to be named after Captain Davenport , who commissioned the first ones

Example Sentences

We piled every available pillow, chair and davenport cushions on top of us to protect us from any shrapnel or debris in the event our building should receive a direct hit …

From Seattle Times

County cities, as well as unincorporated areas, offer residents some way or another to report such nuisances as dumped davenports, potholes, graffiti and roadkill.

From Los Angeles Times

We went back in the house—dim now with twilight—and sat by the window on a long davenport that had a sheet thrown over it.

From Literature

One day in January, near the turnstile at the exit of the 125th Street subway station, something caught my eye: a sepia-toned photograph that showed what looked like three siblings sitting on a davenport.

From New York Times

Trying not to cry, she led me in and made me lay down on the black leather davenport in the front hall.

From Literature