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

Keep scrolling for more

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

There was no caveating, couching, or restraint on the part of Rick Scott and Donald Trump when the Florida Senate election headed to a recount. — Dylan Scott, Vox, "There’s election fraud in North Carolina. That’s not the same thing as voter fraud.," 11 Dec. 2018 Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images Economic development is frequently a secret affair, and the secrecy is often couched as helping local government to retain a competitive advantage. — Nathan M. Jensen, WSJ, "The Amazon HQ2 Fiasco Was No Outlier," 14 Dec. 2018 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

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The models are posed in front of a simple backdrop of two clashing velvet couches showcasing the bright hues and comfortable shapes that Collection 2 offers. — Scarlett Newman, Teen Vogue, "Pyer Moss’ Latest Reebok Campaign Tells a Black American Love Story," 5 Apr. 2019 Most of the seven other guys of SF9 either piles on a couch or sits on stools behind it in their practice room for the video interview. — Devon Abelman, Allure, "Interview: K-Pop Group SF9 Shares Their Skin-Care Secrets & Biggest Confidence Boosters," 18 Mar. 2019 Any of it: not the privilege to buy the best couch and the toothbrush that comes with a subscription, nor the kid with the insufferable name and the adorably doofy husband who drinks beer in stores. — Rebecca Jennings, Vox, "I used all the best stuff for a week and it nearly broke me," 12 Dec. 2018 Now downstairs, the new, more inconspicuous space features red walls juxtaposed by cream couches and geometric coffee tables. — Arielle Paul, latimes.com, "My Favorite Room: David Gebbia loosens up in his 'burlesque room'," 7 July 2018 For those wanting to imbibe and engage in conversation, there's a space with couches toward the entrance. — Michelle L. Quinn, Post-Tribune, "Guide to outdoor dining in Chicago suburbs and NWI: Zodiac Lounge in Crown Point," 6 July 2018 For one—just humans sitting on a white couch in front of a white backdrop. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Here's Why So Many Kardashians and Jenners Are Missing from the Family's Annual Christmas Card," 24 Dec. 2018 Eddie Bauer's Plaid Flannel Throw blanket is perfect for getting cozy on the couch in front of the TV or with a good book. — Adam Schubak, Good Housekeeping, "We Figured Out How You Can Buy All Your Christmas Gifts on a $500 Budget," 21 Nov. 2018 Sitting on a couch in her Senate office, across from a bust of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, Harris connects her time as a prosecutor to her responsibilities now. — Zoe Ghertner, Glamour, "Kamala Harris Is on the Rise," 31 Oct. 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.