What does stool mean?
A stool is a simple seat without a back, usually with legs, such as a wooden kitchen stool, a bar stool, or a small step stool. In household and workshop settings, the word can also denote a low stand or frame used to hold or support an object. In medical contexts, “stool” refers to feces, especially when a sample is being examined or discussed clinically. As a verb, “to stool” is informal American and British English for yielding or surrendering, as when someone “stools” to pressure or gives up a position. The word is useful because its central idea is a modest, utilitarian support: something simple that provides a place to sit, hold an object, or, in the medical sense, provide evidence of bodily function. Its range from everyday furniture to clinical terminology also illustrates how ordinary words acquire specialized meanings.
A seat without a back, typically supported by three or four legs; also, a small stand or frame used to support an object.
"He balanced the tray on a low wooden stool."
The word is common for simple backless seats and for small supports in the home, workshop, or bar.
A discharge of feces, especially in medical, veterinary, or laboratory contexts.
"The patient reported an unusual change in stool."
This sense is standard in clinical and laboratory settings but may be considered blunt or sensitive in general conversation.
To yield, surrender, or give up a position, claim, or advantage, especially under pressure.
"After several objections, the committee finally stooled."
This is informal and commonly used in American English; “give in,” “back down,” or “yield” are more formal alternatives.
The usual plural of the noun, as in a row of wooden stools.
"The kitchen had several stools lined up along the island."
From a practical seat to a medical report, “stool” has remarkably varied meanings: furniture, bodily waste, and even an informal surrender.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of stool
The word comes from Old English stōl, meaning a seat, and ultimately from a Proto-Germanic root. It is cognate with forms such as Dutch stoel, German Stuhl, and Old Norse stóll, which likewise developed the meaning of a seat or chair. The Old English noun was used for a chair or other seating, while the sense referring to feces became established later in medical and everyday usage.
Related word forms
How stool is actually used
As a verb, “stool” is informal and means to yield, surrender, or give up a position or advantage. The medical sense of “stool” is standard in healthcare and laboratory contexts but can be impolite or sensitive in general conversation.
Easily confused with stool
A stool is a seat, whereas a stool pigeon is a person who acts as an informant or decoy.