armchair

1 of 2

noun

arm·​chair ˈärm-ˌcher How to pronounce armchair (audio)
: a chair with armrests

armchair

2 of 2

adjective

1
: remote from direct dealing with problems : theoretical rather than practical
armchair strategists
2
: sharing vicariously in another's experiences
an armchair traveler

Examples of armchair in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The trend lends itself well to fall decorating and can be incorporated in subtle ways through through pillows and blanket, or through larger pieces such as a classic leather armchair or a plaid wallpaper. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025 Pleasant muzak played as Chalamet tied his shoelace and slipped water from an armchair, a poster for the A24 propped up behind him on an easel. Jack Dunn, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Over the weekend, the scandal-prone Swiss lender became a trending topic among armchair investors on Twitter and Reddit forums, who speculated that the bank was in trouble. Margot Patrick, WSJ, 3 Oct. 2022 There is an army of armchair retail traders hell-bent on chasing the entire electric vehicle supply chain. Moneyshow, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2021 See All Example Sentences for armchair

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1585, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of armchair was in 1585

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Armchair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/armchair. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

armchair

noun
arm·​chair
ˈärm-ˌche(ə)r,
-ˌcha(ə)r;
ˈarm-ˈche(ə)r,
-ˈcha(ə)r
: a chair with supports for a person's arms

More from Merriam-Webster on armchair

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