ottoman

1 of 2

noun

ot·​to·​man ˈä-tə-mən 

1

Ottoman

a

: a member of a Turkish dynasty founded by Osman I that ruled the Ottoman Empire

b

: a citizen or functionary of the Ottoman Empire

2

[French ottomane, from feminine of ottoman, adjective]

a

: an upholstered often overstuffed seat or couch usually without a back

b

: an overstuffed footstool

3

: a heavy clothing fabric characterized by pronounced crosswise ribs

Ottoman

2 of 2

adjective

Ot·​to·​man ˈä-tə-mən 

: of or relating to the Ottoman Empire or its citizens

Examples of ottoman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Even better, the ottoman doubles as hidden storage, maximizing space with room for kids’ toys, extra blankets, books, and more. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2026

Castlery’s mid-century modern-style loveseat has a matching ottoman that works as a foot rest for cozy nights in, or as extra guest seating when the evening is busier. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 13 Jan. 2026

This versatile table is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and can function as an ottoman, coffee table, or end table, depending on your needs. —Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026

This is where an ottoman or a pair of ottomans is a lifesaver. —Heather Bien, The Spruce, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French, adjective & noun, probably from Italian ottomano, from Arabic ʽothmānī, from ʽOthmān Osman I, founder of the Ottoman Empire

First Known Use

Noun

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1546, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ottoman

1 of 2 noun

ot·​to·​man ˈät-ə-mən 

plural ottomans

1

capitalized : a citizen or government official of the Ottoman Empire

2

: an upholstered footstool

Ottoman

2 of 2 adjective

Ot·​to·​man ˈät-ə-mən 

: of or relating to the Ottoman Empire, its rulers, or its citizens or government officials