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

And if paying $149 or more to see any of these folks sit in armchairs and read from binders is enough for you, go forth and god bless. —Vulture Editors, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025

Think plush armchairs, ditsy patterns, and unique decor that create an inviting sense of history and, together, transform your space into a cozy retreat. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Jan. 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

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