Definitions

sofa

[soh-fuh] / ˈsoʊ fə /

NOUN

couch

Synonyms

STRONGEST

love seat settee

STRONG

chesterfield davenport daybed divan futon ottoman

WEAK

chaise longue convertible couch sofa bed window seat

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for a sofa?

Sofa is famously interchangeable with the word couch. More on that in the next section. A love seat is a kind of small sofa or large chair that seats about two people. A similar piece of furniture is sometimes called a chair-and-a-half. Less commonly, a small sofa can be called a two-seater or, more fancily, a tête-à-tête or a vis-à-vis. These last two terms are especially used to refer to S-shaped sofas that allow two people to sit facing each other. An upholstered seat for two or more people can be called a settee. The word chesterfield can specifically refer to a large, overstuffed sofa with a tall back and arms. In Canada, it’s simply used to refer to a large sofa. A divan is a sofa that doesn’t have an arm or back. A type of sofa without arms (and sometimes without a back) that’s specifically for reclining can be called a chaise, chaise lounge, or simply lounge. A davenport is another kind of large sofa, especially one that can be converted into a bed. Other terms for sofas that can convert into beds are sofa bed, pull-out sofa, convertible sofa, convertible couch, and sleeper sofa. A daybed is one that can be used as a sofa or a bed at different times. A futon has the same function, but it’s basically a big mattress that folds in half to be a couch.

What is the difference between a sofa and a couch?

Couch comes from the Old French word couche, meaning “bed.” Sofa comes from the Arabic word suffah, meaning “a platform used as a seat.” But the differences in origin don’t affect how they’re used today. People have different preferences about which word they use, and some people use both, but they mean the same thing. A piece of upholstered furniture that seats two or more people, often with a back and at least one arm. Calling a piece of furniture a sofa or a couch implies that it’s upholstered and at least somewhat cushiony. A similar piece of furniture that’s not upholstered (one that’s just wooden, for example) would just be called a bench.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

sofa sofas

While the economics for each kind of sofa varied, the rough math was this: In Vietnam, labor and materials were $280 per couch.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 11, 2026

Many of the couches now being sold on Amazon or Wayfair are actually copies of Danish brand OMHU’s Teddy sofa, which is priced at just under $2,000.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 9, 2026

Harding is perched on a sofa at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in an office that belonged to Gustavo Dudamel for nearly 20 years.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 5, 2026

He was joined on the sofa by Cate Blanchett, Robert Irwin and Hannah Waddingham, who are all involved with the prize.

From BBC ● Oct. 23, 2026

It had a whisk for a TV antenna and a cushion from the sofa for a bed, and I cut out windows with the big, sharp knife.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

“If you’re trying to get below $2,000 on sofas, it’s harder,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 11, 2026

“Furniture is one of the categories worth watching during the holiday sales season, as retailers typically offer promotions on big-ticket home purchases, including sofas, sectionals and living room furniture,” she said.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 9, 2026

The units contained amenities including air conditioners, big-screen televisions, refrigerators, sofas and dining areas.

From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026

In 2024, Miami-based TOV Furniture sourced 60% of its sofas, beds and other products from China, and only 25% from Vietnam.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026

There were some old sofas to sit on, and mattresses on the floor.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John

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