What does sofa mean?
A sofa is a long, upholstered seat with a back and arms, normally used by two or more people. In everyday English, the word refers to a familiar piece of living-room furniture associated with sitting, relaxing, reading, watching television, and receiving guests. It is neutral in register and widely used in British and American English. American speakers also frequently say couch, while settee is especially associated with British usage and can suggest a traditional upholstered seat. More specific terms, such as loveseat or sectional, identify particular designs or sizes rather than serving as exact substitutes. The word is a striking example of international borrowing: it reached English from French, which had adopted it from Arabic. Its history also reflects the word’s close association with hospitality and domestic comfort.
nounA long, upholstered seat with a back and arms, typically designed for two or more people. The term is also sometimes used more broadly for household seating intended for relaxation.
- A long, upholstered seat with a back and arms, typically seating two or more people.
"She curled up on the sofa with a book and a cup of tea."
"The new sofa takes up most of the space in the living room."
"They folded the pull-out bed and restored the sofa to its usual position."
The standard plural adds -s to the word.
"The two sofas in the lounge have matching cushions."
A sofa's journey—from Arabic to French to English—made a once-upholstered long seat a word heard around the world.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sofa come from?
The English word sofa was borrowed from French sofa in the 18th century. The French word comes from Arabic ṣūfa, the Arabic term for the upholstered seat. Its development illustrates how vocabulary associated with furniture and luxury often circulated across European languages and commercial networks.
How sofa is actually used
Sofa is a neutral, everyday word in both British and American English. Couch is particularly common in American English, while settee can suggest a more traditional or formal British style of seating.