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

Standout picks include a cozy loveseat with ultra-thick cushions, a water-resistant bean bag chair with a matching ottoman, and a small-space-friendly bistro set with gently rocking seats. — Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2026

Rather than acquiesce to the political advisor's preferred La-Z-Boy-style recliner, the designer reupholstered a roomy lounge chair and ottoman in floral fabric, preserving comfort while bringing it into the home’s off-kilter orbit. — Leonora Epstein, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026

The front-row Polaris Studio, a set of eight oversized suites with a companion ottoman, sits at the front of the cabin. — Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026

Nestle a table lamp on an oversized vanity or tuck an upholstered ottoman into an empty corner. — Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 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