Words / B1

se-TEE/seˈtiː/

A settee is a sofa: a long, soft seat for two or more people (UK). Couch is more informal or US; an armchair is for one. NHS waiting rooms: the settee is for patients, not an overnight bed for relatives.

Meaning

A sofa; a long, soft seat for two or more people (UK).

Examples

• “The waiting-room settee is for patients; relatives do not sleep on it overnight.”
• “A leather settee in the staff room is still furniture, not a listed antique for insurance.”

Good to know

a settee (UK). Close: a sofa. Informal/US: a couch. Homes / waiting rooms. Countable seats. Mix-up: a settle is an old wooden bench.

Near in meaning

sofa, couch

New