Bench: meaning, definitions and examples

In courtrooms or judicial settings, referring to the judge's seat or the judge themselves.

• The lawyer approached the bench to discuss the matter privately with the judge
• The bench gave a ruling on the case

General term for any place to sit, whether a chair, bench, or other types of seating furniture.

• Please take a seat while you wait
• There was a reserved seat for the guest of honor

Long bench, typically made of wood, found in churches or places of worship and meant for seating multiple people during services.

• They found a seat on the third pew from the front
• The old church had beautifully carved wooden pews

A type of upholstered seat, similar to a small sofa, often found in living rooms or lounges. It typically seats two or three people.

• They sat together on the settee, sipping coffee and chatting
• The antique settee added charm to the cozy room

Seating area for players and coaches during a sports game, where non-playing players wait.

• The coach called the player to the bench after he scored the goal.
• He spent most of the match on the bench.

Backup players in a team who are not starting the game but may be called to play if needed.

• The team has a strong reserve ready to step in if any player is injured.
• She is one of the best reserves we have.

Area along the perimeter of the playing field, often where players and coaches are during the game. It may have a connotation of being inactive or not directly involved.

• He was shouting instructions to his teammates from the sideline.
• She spent the whole season on the sideline due to her injury.

Used in the context of sports when a player is removed from the playing field and put on the sidelines, typically due to poor performance or for rest. It is also used to refer to seating in parks, public gardens, or other outdoor areas.

• The coach decided to bench the star player after his numerous mistakes.
• We sat on a bench by the lake to enjoy the view.

Used when someone is temporarily removed from a position, job, or school, pending further investigation or as a penalty. This can also apply to temporarily halting an operation or process.

• The committee decided to suspend the player for three games due to unsportsmanlike conduct.
• The school decided to suspend classes until the weather improved.

Used when someone is officially prohibited from participating in an activity, entering a place, or using something. It often carries a negative connotation.

• He received a lifetime ban from professional sports due to doping.
• The government has decided to ban smoking in all public buildings.