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
With Céline’s help, Bea takes off on a twisty treasure hunt around Paris that will delight mystery fans and armchair travelers alike. Caroline Carlson june 30, Literary Hub, 30 June 2025 Best Furniture Deals at Wayfair Wayfair is overflowing with indoor furniture deals on sideboards, console tables, armchairs, and bathroom storage. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 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 11 Jul. 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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