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

The vintage chair is from 1stDibs, the ottoman is upholstered in a fabric by Scalamandré, and the vintage floor lamp is from PRB Collection. — Michelle Ruiz, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2026

Some planes also have suites with an ottoman and a seat belt, allowing a travel companion to join you for meals. — Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2026

This space is furnished with a wardrobe and either a standard double bed or an Ottoman-style rising bed, which is always a help when storage is at a premium. — New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026

The king-size bed had a pristine, cloud-white duvet and sheets; by the foot of it sat a lounge chair and ottoman ideal for reading. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 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