couch

verb

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\ ˈkau̇ch

\

couched; couching; couches

Definition of couch

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to lay (oneself) down for rest or sleep The lion couched himself by a tree.

2 : to embroider (a design) by laying down a thread and fastening it with small stitches at regular intervals

3 : to place or hold level and pointed forward ready for use Couching his lance, he seated himself firmly in his saddle …— W. Somerset Maugham

4 : to phrase or express in a specified manner The comments were couched in strong terms.

intransitive verb

1 : to lie down or recline for sleep or rest the odd way a camel couches

2 : to lie in ambush The tiger couches in the thick grass, watching its prey move closer.

couch

noun

Definition of couch (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : an article of furniture for sitting or reclining

b : a couch on which a patient reclines when undergoing psychoanalysis

2 : the den of an animal (such as an otter)

on the couch

: receiving psychoanalytic treatment

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about couch

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Examples of couch in a Sentence

Verb I'm trying to couch this delicately: I don't think we should date anymore. I couched behind the partition so as to avoid an awkward situation with my ex. Noun find yourself a place on the couch and make yourself at home

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The department couches a ticket giveaway as appreciation to loyal season ticket-holders. — Los Angeles Times, "Letters: Winless Bruins can zero in on a new athletic director," 20 Sep. 2019 Trump, eager to reach a deal, tried to couch the move, which had overwhelming support from US lawmakers. — Julia Horowitz, CNN, "For the next 26 days, retailers will be after your wallet," 29 Nov. 2019 The Trojans moved the ball into East Chambers territory and couched up the ball again. — David Taylor, Houston Chronicle, "Miscues end Coldspring-Oakhurst’s season, 42-20," 15 Nov. 2019 Supporters say minorities often face discrimination that’s couched in criticism of their hair texture or style. — USA TODAY, "Penal farm to produce farm, music under the sea: News from around our 50 states," 16 July 2019 Some of the critics couched their observations in the form of a question. — Maria Puente, USA TODAY, "Twitter critics claim Melania Trump's coat in 9/11 tribute looks like plane flying into tower," 11 Sep. 2019 Since Google Fiber's February announcement, Fischer's team has sought to couch the demise as a positive in pushing other internet service providers to offer faster options. — Darcy Costello, The Courier-Journal, "Repairs underway on roads left damaged after Google Fiber's exit from Louisville," 28 Aug. 2019 The brief makes the same persuasive arguments for mootness that the city presented but couches them in unusually strident terms. — S.m. | New York, The Economist, "The Supreme Court mulls whether to ditch a gun-rights case," 11 Sep. 2019 Shenanigans are couched in terms of charming calamity. — Joel Lewin, Quartz, "There’s no such thing as a “functioning alcoholic”," 5 Sep. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun But retreating to the couch for the winter is not your only option. — Stephanie Mansour, NBC News, "Hate cold weather? Stay fit (and warm) and have some fun with these indoor workouts.," 9 Jan. 2020 The singer chuckles as his dad slumps into the couch in disbelief. — Bisma Parvez, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit band I Prevail's singer pays off dad's mortgage for Christmas so he can retire," 30 Dec. 2019 He's used to coming in early in the morning and sticking around until the last show of the night is finished, often sleeping on a massive couch in his office at the studio. — Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, "A night in Louisville's huge ACC Network broadcast center can change how you watch games," 23 Dec. 2019 Police said that at the holiday party, Simonini pushed a woman to a couch and pointed a gun at the male victim. — Catherine Ho, SFChronicle.com, "San Rafael man arrested after shooting man in foot at Christmas party," 15 Dec. 2019 Prediction Ole Miss 29, Mississippi State 27 Go lightly on OLE MISS (+110) in this rivalry game, as the Rebels will be motivated to keep Mississippi State (-134) nailed to the couch for the postseason. — Joe Williams, USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire, "Ole Miss at Mississippi State odds, picks and best bets," 27 Nov. 2019 Pope was inside 50 Willard St., the Regency Place Apartments, and was caught on surveillance video setting fire to a couch that was in a hallway. — David Owens, courant.com, "Hartford woman pleads guilty in arson fire that injured three," 10 Oct. 2019 Once he was finished, Porter climbed onto a platform being carried by two shirtless men, where he was carried to the couch, and finally sat down. — Stephen Daw, Billboard, "Watch Billy Porter Give a Master Class On How to Make an Entrance," 19 Sep. 2019 The oxygen tank sits in the living room of Joe McKay’s home, discreetly positioned in the corner next to a couch. — Jerry Carino, USA TODAY, "'Insane, stabbing, burning pain': Ground zero workers still battling 9/11 health problems," 10 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'couch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.