Chesterfield: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mainly in Canadian English to refer to any type of sofa or couch, often with an old-fashioned or cozy connotation.

• We bought a new chesterfield for the living room.
• Grandma's chesterfield is so comfortable!

A common term used informally in many English-speaking countries to describe a piece of furniture designed for seating multiple people, typically found in living rooms or family rooms.

• Let's sit on the couch and watch a movie.
• I fell asleep on the couch last night.

A widely used term for a piece of furniture that seats multiple people, often seen as more formal or elegant than 'couch'. Suitable for use in both casual and formal contexts.

• We need a new sofa for our formal living room.
• The kids love to jump on the sofa.

Used more in British English; often refers to a smaller, more elegant and refined piece of furniture compared to a couch.

• They have a beautifully upholstered settee in the front parlor.
• The antique settee in the hallway was passed down from my great-grandparents.

A somewhat formal term, 'chesterfield' typically refers to a long, tailored overcoat that is often worn in cold weather. This type of coat is particularly stylish and can have a velvet collar.

• He wore a chesterfield as he stepped out into the snowy streets.
• Her new chesterfield coat complemented her elegant evening dress.

An 'overcoat' is a general term for any long coat designed to be worn over other clothes to provide warmth. It is practical and can be used in both casual and formal settings.

• He put on his overcoat before leaving the house.
• She adjusted her overcoat and headed to work on the chilly morning.

A 'topcoat' is a lighter and slightly shorter coat compared to an overcoat. It is often worn in moderately cool weather and is considered fashionable and versatile.

• The topcoat was perfect for the mild autumn evening.
• He decided a topcoat would be appropriate for the business meeting.

A 'greatcoat' is a heavy, large coat that is usually worn in very cold weather. This term is often associated with military uniforms and historical attire.

• The soldier’s greatcoat kept him warm during the long winter nights.
• The actor wore a vintage greatcoat in the period drama.