Armrest - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

furniture feature

An armrest is a part of a chair or a couch designed to support the arms of the person sitting. It can either be attached to the seat or be part of a larger structure like a sofa. Armrests enhance comfort by providing relief to the shoulders and arms, often allowing for more relaxed seating.

Synonyms

elbow rest, rest, support.

Examples of usage

She rested her arm on the armrest while watching TV.
The chair has a padded armrest for added comfort.
He adjusted the armrest to find a better position.
The armrest on the sofa was constructed with a cup holder.
After a long day, she appreciated the soft armrest.

Interesting Facts

Furniture Design

Armrests can vary significantly in design, from fixed to adjustable types, catering to different user needs.
Many ergonomic chairs feature designed armrests to promote better posture while sitting.
Some armrests have built-in features like storage compartments or technology for charging devices.

Cultural Impact

In many cultures, armrests symbolize comfort and relaxation, often enhancing the lounge experience in public spaces.
Luxury seating in theaters or cars often includes padded armrests for added comfort during long periods of use.
Armrests have been featured in various movies, symbolizing comfort in a time of stress or tension.

Health and Wellbeing

Properly designed armrests can alleviate shoulder and neck strain during prolonged sitting.
Medical ergonomics emphasizes the importance of effective armrest height for preventing repetitive strain injuries.
Utilizing armrests correctly can help distribute body weight evenly, promoting better circulation and reducing fatigue.

Technology

Modern gaming chairs often include specialized armrests designed for better player comfort and control.
Some innovative designs integrate heating or cooling features in the armrests for personalized comfort.
Smart armrests are emerging, featuring touch controls for devices and built-in speakers.

Origin of 'armrest'

Main points about word origin

The word 'armrest' is a compound word formed from 'arm' and 'rest,' meaning a place to rest your arms.
First known use dates back to the early 1900s when furniture design started to focus more on comfort.
Modern terms in furniture often derive from the materials or functions, like how 'armrest' describes both its location and purpose.

The word 'armrest' originates from the combination of 'arm', referring to the upper limb of the human body, and 'rest', which means to support or to cease work in order to relax. The use of armrests dates back to early furniture design, where comfort and support were being prioritized to enhance the user experience. As furniture evolved in the 18th and 19th centuries during periods of industrialization, the addition of armrests began to appear more commonly in designs for chairs and sofas, becoming a standard aspect of seating for both aesthetics and practicality. In contemporary furniture design, armrests are created in various styles and materials, reflecting different trends in comfort and ergonomic considerations.

Armrest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations