the bench

noun

1
law : the place where a judge sits in a court of law
The lawyer asked if he could approach the bench.
2
: a long seat where the members of a sports team wait during a game for a chance to play
He spent most of his season on the bench.
He plays better coming off the bench.

Examples of the bench in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There was a moment in the NBA Cup Final when the Spurs were winning, but Victor Wembanyama was sitting on the bench, looking dejected. Jared Weiss, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025 The work of the bench added up to nine points on 4-of-19 shooting. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Dec. 2025 When Agnifilo asked if suspects are made aware they are being recorded during interviews done in New York, prosecutors objected and the judge called both sides to the bench. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 16 Dec. 2025 Suarez entered the game in the 76th minute against Cincinnati, in the 82nd minute in the Eastern Conference final against New York City FC and never left the bench during the MLS Cup Final. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for the bench

Cite this Entry

“The bench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20bench. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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