What does lounger mean?
A lounger is a chair designed for reclining, particularly one used outdoors beside a pool, on a patio, or on a beach. The term is especially common in British English, while North American speakers may prefer “recliner” or “patio chair.” A lounger generally has a long, supportive seat and may have a back raised at an angle or extend into a leg rest. Less commonly, a lounger can mean someone who spends considerable time relaxing or behaving idly. As a verb, “to lounger” means to lounge, but it is relatively uncommon and often suggests deliberate inactivity or laziness. The word is also associated with comfort, leisure, and unhurried summer afternoons, especially in settings such as resorts, pools, and beaches.
A reclining chair, especially a lightweight outdoor chair used for relaxation.
"A sun lounger stood empty beside the swimming pool."
“Sun lounger” is common in British English; North American speakers often say “pool chair” or “patio recliner.”
A person who spends time relaxing, sitting about, or behaving idly.
"By noon, every lounger on the veranda had ordered another drink."
This is less common than the sense for the chair and can suggest laziness.
To spend time in a relaxed or idle manner; to lounge.
"They loungered on the sofa for most of the afternoon."
Rare and informal, with a mildly dismissive or humorous tone.
The plural is formed by adding “-s” to the headword.
"The loungers were arranged around the fire pit."
A lounger began as a person who sprawled about idly before becoming the name for the chair built for doing exactly that.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lounger come from?
“Lounger” was formed in English by adding the suffix “-er” to “lounge.” “Lounge” came through French from the Latin “longus,” meaning “long,” and originally referred to a long seat or couch on which a person could recline. The same Latin root also lies behind words such as “longitude” and “prolong.”
How lounger is actually used
In British English, “sun lounger” is especially common for a reclining chair beside a pool or on a beach. In North American English, “recliner” and “patio chair” are often more usual. The verb is comparatively rare and has an informal, often disparaging tone.
Easily confused with lounger
A lounger is a reclining chair or, rarely, a person who relaxes idly, whereas a lounge is a room or area for relaxing.