ottoman

1 of 2

noun

ot·​to·​man ˈä-tə-mən 

1

capitalized

a

: a member of a Turkish dynasty founded by Osman I that ruled the Ottoman Empire

b

: a citizen or functionary of the Ottoman Empire

2

[French ottomane, from feminine of ottoman, adjective]

a

: an upholstered often overstuffed seat or couch usually without a back

b

: an overstuffed footstool

3

: a heavy clothing fabric characterized by pronounced crosswise ribs

Ottoman

2 of 2

adjective

Ot·​to·​man ˈä-tə-mən 

: of or relating to the Ottoman Empire or its citizens

Examples of ottoman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This versatile ottoman can be used inside or outside for extra seating, a footrest, or even an accent table. —Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025

Depending on your space, the ottoman can also stand alone to act as a footrest and coffee table. —Rachel Trujillo, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Feb. 2025

An ottoman by Joseph Walsh for Philippe Hetier stands in front of the fireplace by Hearth Cabinet. —Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 8 Feb. 2025

Perfect for small homes and apartments, this sofa bed can be used as a lounger, chair, bed, and even an ottoman. —Kaitlin Gates, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French, adjective & noun, probably from Italian ottomano, from Arabic ʽothmānī, from ʽOthmān Osman I, founder of the Ottoman Empire

First Known Use

Noun

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1546, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ottoman

1 of 2 noun

ot·​to·​man ˈät-ə-mən 

plural ottomans

1

capitalized : a citizen or government official of the Ottoman Empire

2

: an upholstered footstool

Ottoman

2 of 2 adjective

Ot·​to·​man ˈät-ə-mən 

: of or relating to the Ottoman Empire, its rulers, or its citizens or government officials