ottoman

1 of 2

noun

ot·​to·​man ˈä-tə-mən 

1

capitalized

a

: a member of a Turkish dynasty founded by Osman I that ruled the Ottoman Empire

b

: a citizen or functionary of the Ottoman Empire

2

[French ottomane, from feminine of ottoman, adjective]

a

: an upholstered often overstuffed seat or couch usually without a back

b

: an overstuffed footstool

3

: a heavy clothing fabric characterized by pronounced crosswise ribs

Ottoman

2 of 2

adjective

Ot·​to·​man ˈä-tə-mən 

: of or relating to the Ottoman Empire or its citizens

Examples of ottoman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Best Decor Deals at Wayfair’s Summer Sale Small touches like a throw pillow, mirror, or ottoman can make a big difference inside and outside the home. —Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2025

When police arrived, Weiher was giving chest compressions to Trinity on an ottoman in their living room, the sheriff’s office said. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025

Corner chairs, seats with arms, seats without arms, an ottoman—you’ve got options. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2025

The high armrests, ottoman, and throw pillow are coupled with a dense sponge cushion seat that makes the chair ideal for lounging. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 22 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French, adjective & noun, probably from Italian ottomano, from Arabic ʽothmānī, from ʽOthmān Osman I, founder of the Ottoman Empire

First Known Use

Noun

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1546, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ottoman

1 of 2 noun

ot·​to·​man ˈät-ə-mən 

plural ottomans

1

capitalized : a citizen or government official of the Ottoman Empire

2

: an upholstered footstool

Ottoman

2 of 2 adjective

Ot·​to·​man ˈät-ə-mən 

: of or relating to the Ottoman Empire, its rulers, or its citizens or government officials