Sofa

/ˈsoʊ.fə/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, designed to accommodate multiple people.
We bought a new leather sofa to match the living room decor.
A piece of furniture for sitting or lying on, typically found in living rooms.
The kids sprawled out on the sofa to watch their favorite movie.
An informal term for a couch or settee.
After a long day, I just want to collapse on the sofa and relax.

Etymology

From the Arabic 'ṣuffa', meaning 'bench' or 'couch'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

sink into the sofa
To relax deeply into the comfort of a sofa.
sofa surfing
Staying temporarily on someone's sofa or couch.
the sofa test
A trial or evaluation, especially if something fits or is comfortable.

Related Words

couch
A similar piece of furniture often used interchangeably with sofa.
armchair
A comfortable chair with side supports for a person's arms.
recliner
A chair that reclines and has a footrest.

Slang Meanings

Couch potato
He became a couch potato after getting a new sofa.
Sofa king
He's the sofa king of relaxation on weekends.