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
The Mets also appear set in left field and center field with Brandon Nimmo and Jose Siri, respectively, with veteran Tyrone Taylor a quality backup on the bench.
—
Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
After Middleton scored just two points in 26 minutes as a starter in Saturday’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Rivers mentioned the Bucks would need to consider everything — including the thought of bringing Middleton off the bench.
—Eric Nehm, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
Ryan, meanwhile, provided an immediate boost off the bench.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
Isaac also provided a boost off the bench with 13 points and 9 rebounds, 4 of which came on the offensive end.
—Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for the bench 
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.
Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
After Middleton scored just two points in 26 minutes as a starter in Saturday’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Rivers mentioned the Bucks would need to consider everything — including the thought of bringing Middleton off the bench.
—Eric Nehm, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
Ryan, meanwhile, provided an immediate boost off the bench.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
Isaac also provided a boost off the bench with 13 points and 9 rebounds, 4 of which came on the offensive end.
—Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for the bench
Dictionary Entries Near the bench
Cite this Entry
“The bench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20bench. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share