armchair

1 of 2

noun

arm·​chair ˈärm-ˌcher 

: a chair with armrests

armchair

2 of 2

adjective

1

: remote from direct dealing with problems : theoretical rather than practical

armchair strategists

2

: sharing vicariously in another's experiences

an armchair traveler

Examples of armchair in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The modern-style armchairs are roomy, measuring just under 20 inches wide and 18 inches deep, complemented by comfortable, wide armrests for optimal lounging. —Alexandra Kay, People.com, 31 May 2025

The light blue of the chaise longue carries through to the artwork in the dining area, and there are more hits of blue both large (the armchairs) and small (the accessories on the coffee table) throughout. —Meghan Holloran, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2025

Adjective

Over the weekend, the scandal-prone Swiss lender became a trending topic among armchair investors on Twitter and Reddit forums, who speculated that the bank was in trouble. —Margot Patrick, WSJ, 3 Oct. 2022

There is an army of armchair retail traders hell-bent on chasing the entire electric vehicle supply chain. —Moneyshow, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1585, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for armchair

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare
• cookware

Kids Definition

armchair

noun

arm·​chair

ˈärm-ˌche(ə)r,

-ˌcha(ə)r;

ˈarm-ˈche(ə)r,

-ˈcha(ə)r

: a chair with supports for a person's arms