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

BBC Verify compared and matched images of the home's window archways, external decorations on doorways, shelves, and armchairs from the footage.

From BBC

He sat in an armchair in a destroyed building, covered in dust and debris, an arm apparently amputated by mortar fire.

From Los Angeles Times

The living room was bobbing with armchairs, sneakers and pillows.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• recliner