ottoman

1 of 2

noun

ot·​to·​man ˈä-tə-mən 

1

Ottoman

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

Kick up your feet for less with this roomy modular ottoman that’s more than $400 off. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026

Shop more outlet deals below, including an elegant candleholder, a luxe ottoman, and slim patio sofa. — Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2026

If your layout isn’t conducive to an L-shape, the chaise-less silhouette in a wool boucle is also over $200 off (with the also marked down matching ottoman available to add on). — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026

To keep things cozy, Jenny softened the space with an ottoman and pair of leather chairs. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026

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