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ottoman

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noun ot·to·man \ ˈä-tə-mən \

Definition of ottoman

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

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Recent Examples of ottoman from the Web

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

First Known Use of ottoman

1605

Other Furniture and Woodworking Terms

appoint, credenza, mission, settee

Ottoman

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adjective Ot·to·man \ ˈä-tə-mən \

Definition of Ottoman

:of or relating to the Ottoman Empire or its citizens

See Ottoman defined for kids

Origin and Etymology of ottoman

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

Other Anthropology Terms

ectomorph, ethnography, prehistory, yurt

OTTOMAN Defined for English Language Learners

ottoman

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noun

Definition of ottoman for English Language Learners

  • : a low piece of furniture that has a soft top and that you can put your feet on when you are sitting : a soft footstool

  • : a long seat with no back that has a soft top and that typically has space inside where things can be stored

Learn More about ottoman

  1. Spanish Central: Translation of ottoman Nglish: Translation of ottoman for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ottoman for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ottoman

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