banquette

noun

ban·​quette baŋ-ˈket 

ban-

sense 1b also ˈbaŋ-kət

1

a

: a raised way along the inside of a parapet or trench for gunners or guns

b

Southern US : sidewalk

2

a

: a long upholstered bench

b

: a sofa having one roll-over arm

c

: a built-in usually upholstered bench along a wall

Examples of banquette in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wander around the quaint cobblestone streets of historic Tribeca before heading back to cozy up on a red banquette in the brasserie with a bowl of French onion soup. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2026

The place has an eclectic feel with some velvet couches forming weirdly elegant banquettes for a very informal spot. —Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026

Technically, the olive green velvet banquettes, chandeliers, and industrial chairs shouldn’t gel, but just like the island’s melting pot of cultures, the refined jumble works to elegant effect. —Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026

The designer outfitted the existing banquette with a new cushion and then repurposed chairs and a light fixture from the family’s previous home. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, from Old Occitan banqueta, diminutive of banc bench, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English benc bench

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for banquette

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• brevet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette
• cadet