sofa

noun

so·​fa ˈsō-fə How to pronounce sofa (audio)
Synonyms of sofanext
: a long upholstered seat usually with arms and a back and often convertible into a bed

Synonyms of sofa

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Examples of sofa in a Sentence

I curled up on the sofa with a book.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There's only one type of accommodation, the suite tent, which sleeps up to four across a king bed and a pullout sofa. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026 Her library hosted a bright pink sofa and matching rug alongside an orange armchair, while the living room held kitschy dog statues, seats the color of lemon drops, and ornate silver candlesticks. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 Oct. 2026 The English period setting is conjured simply with an area rug, a sofa with a few throws and pillows and a draftsman table for Shotover’s wild engineering ideas. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 The living room is anchored by a cozy wood-burning stove, with a record player nearby for nights in, and a pull-out sofa makes room for more guests. — Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sofa

Word History

Etymology

earlier, raised carpeted floor, from Italian sofà, from Turkish sofa, from Arabic ṣuffa carpet, divan

First Known Use

1717, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sofa was in 1717

Phrases Containing sofa

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SOF
sofa
sofa bed
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Cite this Entry

“Sofa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sofa. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sofa

noun
so·​fa ˈsō-fə How to pronounce sofa (audio)
: a long upholstered seat usually with arms and a back and often convertible into a bed

More from Merriam-Webster on sofa

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sofa

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