armchair

[ ahrm-chair ]

noun

1. a chair with sidepieces or arms to support a person's forearms or elbows.

adjective

1. theorizing without the benefit of practical experience:

   an armchair football coach.

2. participating or experiencing indirectly or vicariously:

   an armchair traveler.

armchair

/ ˈɑːmˌtʃɛə /

noun

1. a chair, esp an upholstered one, that has side supports for the arms or elbows
2. modifier taking no active part; lacking practical experience; theoretical

   an armchair strategist

3. modifier participated in away from the place of action or in the home

   armchair theatre

Word History and Origins

Origin of armchair¹

First recorded in 1625–35; arm ¹ + chair

Example Sentences

At Amazon’s studios, she sits in a bouclé armchair on her podcast set, dressed like a demure interviewer: patent leather loafers, cuffed jeans, a sweater set, a string of pearls.

From Los Angeles Times

The political pundits and armchair psychiatrists will be hashing that one out for decades.

From Los Angeles Times

In a 2020 appearance on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast, the singer-songwriter said that “everyone” has been calling him gay since he was 15.

From Los Angeles Times

It consisted mostly of armchairs, so I chose the bench, which somehow was even worse than being squished in the armchair.

From Salon

However, I was able to comfortably sit in the armchair for lunch.

From Salon

Related Words

• recliner