banquette

noun

ban·​quette baŋ-ˈket 

ban-,

 sense 1b is also  ˈbaŋ-kət

1

a

: a raised way along the inside of a parapet or trench for gunners or guns

b

Southern US : sidewalk

2

a

: a long upholstered bench

b

: a sofa having one roll-over arm

c

: a built-in usually upholstered bench along a wall

Examples of banquette in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even without back and seat cushions, a wooden banquette can be comfortable enough for all-day lounging. —Rory Evans, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Apr. 2025

Clustered above the curved blue banquette are paintings with distinctly nautical themes. —Laura May Todd, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 2025

But, the Bazaar Bar on the lower level below the restaurant is even more elegant with inviting banquettes, a feature curved staircase, and a library setting. —Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025

In an adjoining nook, the velvet banquettes had been lined with crimson and burgundy petals—making for a perfect photo backdrop to recline against. —Freya Drohan, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, from Old Occitan banqueta, diminutive of banc bench, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English benc bench

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for banquette

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• brevet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette
• cadet