couch

verb

\ 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

That’s especially true when those choices are so often couched in ridiculous extremes and overplayed tropes. — Daniel Starkey, Ars Technica, "Assassin’s Creed Odyssey," 4 Oct. 2018 Today’s board vote, while couched as an effort to prevent such a transaction, was pure pretext. — NBC News, "CBS votes to kick out parent company National Amusements, setting up court battle," 18 May 2018 Red Letter Media, for example, uses a similar low-key, non-malicious style of ribbing movies as MST3K, all couched in a pseudo-sketch comedy routine. — Bryan Lufkin, Popular Mechanics, "Can Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thrive in an Age of Snark?," 14 Apr. 2017 The delay in his departure was couched as a wish to wait until the school year ended. — Donna St. George, Washington Post, "Maryland schools CEO handed six-figure severance payout," 12 July 2018 Actionable defamation requires that the defendant uttered statements that were couched as factual assertions. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Could CM Punk and Colt Cabana Be Found Culpable for Defamation?," 31 May 2018 Today’s board vote, while couched as an effort to prevent such a transaction, was pure pretext. — Michael J. De La Merced, BostonGlobe.com, "Judge rejects CBS’s move to strip Shari Redstone’s control of company," 17 May 2018 The decision gives comfort to extremists who love to couch this as a war. — Raisa Habersham, ajc, "Travel ban hits home for metro Atlanta Muslims, supporters," 26 June 2018 Two administration officials acknowledged that Trump simply does not see allies and adversaries in the traditional way, nor any reason to couch his views in diplomatic niceties. — Karen Deyoung, Anchorage Daily News, "In Trump, some see the end of the world order," 8 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Charming details include mini Smeg fridges, caramel leather upholstered couches, and floral cushions. — Ella Riley-adams, Vogue, "The Best New Places to Eat, Stay, and Play in Seattle," 10 Jan. 2019 Your futon from Wayfair can handle a Domino's pizza box; Middleton's couch, which the queen could potentially nap on, can't. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "Kate Middleton Just Put Prince William on Blast For This 'Nightmare' Habit," 6 Dec. 2018 The house’s security video captured his excruciating night on a first-floor couch, including him stumbling in the darkness and falling. — Mark Scolforo, The Seattle Times, "Anti-hazing law in Penn St. student’s name goes to governor," 15 Oct. 2018 It's loaded with vintage and antique chairs, couches, tables, lighting, art, and bookshelves, and their inventory is routinely updated. — Candace Braun Davison, House Beautiful, "Joanna Gaines Went To Round Top—And Fell In Love With This Antiques Company," 4 Oct. 2018 That is the one that leaves Stan sobbing on a psychiatrist’s couch, and Patty’s announcement that her husband is no longer allowed to live in their home. — refinery29.com, "TV Loves Calling Out Cheaters Right Now," 10 July 2018 Instead of a traditional seat, that club lets people sit on purple leather couches, in a space that resembles a nightclub. — Steve Harrison, charlotteobserver, "NFL stadiums are more luxurious than ever. Here's how the Panthers could keep up.," 5 July 2018 There were leather couches, a dining table, beds in the bedrooms, just like a regular family home. — Ron Hart, Billboard, "The Band's 'Music From Big Pink' Turns 50: How Upstate New York Informed the Americana Classic," 1 July 2018 Decorative lanterns hung from the glamorous clear top frame tent, which was decked with couches, love seats, and array of tables and chairs. — Alix Strauss, New York Times, "Worthy of a Romance Novel, With a Touch of Mystery," 29 June 2018

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.