Furniture: meaning, definitions and examples

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furniture

 

[ ˈfəːnɪtʃə ]

Context #1 | Noun

for interior design

Furniture refers to movable objects intended to support various human activities such as seating, eating, and sleeping. It is often made of materials like wood, metal, or plastic.

Synonyms

fixtures, furnishings, household items.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
furniture

Use this term when talking about movable objects in a house that support various human activities like seating, eating, and sleeping. It is a general term for items such as chairs, tables, beds, etc.

  • We bought new furniture for our living room.
  • The furniture in the office is quite modern.
furnishings

Use this word to refer to decorative items and accessories, including furniture, that make a room or building feel complete. It encompasses items like rugs, curtains, and cushions.

  • The new furnishings make the house feel more like home.
  • We spent a lot on furnishings to decorate our new apartment.
fixtures

This term is best used for items that are fixed in place and not meant to be moved. These include things like sinks, bathtubs, and light fixtures.

  • The bathroom fixtures need to be replaced.
  • The light fixtures in the hallway are very elegant.
household items

This term is general and can be used to talk about all sorts of items found in a house, including both furniture and smaller objects like kitchen utensils, cleaning products, and tools.

  • Household items such as cleaning supplies and towels can be found in aisle five.
  • She donated a lot of household items to the local charity.

Examples of usage

  • The living room furniture includes a sofa and a coffee table.
  • She bought new furniture for her bedroom.
  • The antique furniture in the dining room adds a touch of elegance.
  • We need to rearrange the furniture in the office for better functionality.
Context #2 | Noun

for selling

Furniture can also refer to the movable objects that are used to make a space suitable for living or working, such as tables, chairs, and beds.

Synonyms

fixtures, furnishings, household items.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
furniture

General term for large movable equipment, like chairs, tables, and sofas, used to make a room or building suitable for living or working.

  • They bought new furniture for their living room
  • The office furniture was arranged in a modern style
furnishings

Collective term for decorative items and accessories that make a room or building feel homely, including rugs, drapes, and cushions.

  • They chose rich, warm furnishings for the living room
  • The store offers a wide range of home furnishings
fixtures

Items that are permanently attached to a building or structure, such as light fittings, kitchen cabinets, or sinks.

  • The bathroom fixtures need to be updated
  • She admired the elegant fixtures in the newly renovated kitchen
household items

Broad term for various objects used in a home, including both furniture and smaller items like appliances, kitchenware, and cleaning supplies.

  • They went to buy household items for their new apartment
  • Household items like brooms and vacuum cleaners are essential

Examples of usage

  • The store specializes in selling modern furniture.
  • They offer a wide selection of furniture for every room in the house.

Etymology

The word 'furniture' originated from the French word 'fourniture', which means 'supplying' or 'providing'. It has been used in English since the 16th century to refer to movable objects that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of living or working spaces.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,332, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.