beanbag: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, everyday
Quick answer
What does “beanbag” mean?
A small cloth bag filled with dried beans or plastic pellets, used as a toy or as informal seating.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small cloth bag filled with dried beans or plastic pellets, used as a toy or as informal seating.
A type of casual, low-seating furniture consisting of a large fabric bag filled with polystyrene beads; also refers to a small pouch filled with beans used in throwing games.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The concept and word are identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally informal and associated with casual living spaces, children's play, or relaxed office environments in both cultures.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “beanbag” in a Sentence
[Subject] + sit/lounge/curl up + on + [beanbag][Subject] + throw/toss + [beanbag] + at/to + [Target]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “beanbag” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The player managed to beanbag the target perfectly.
- He was just beanbagging in his room all day.
American English
- The police used non-lethal rounds to beanbag the suspect.
- After lunch, I just want to beanbag on the couch.
adverb
British English
- [Extremely rare/non-standard]
American English
- [Extremely rare/non-standard]
adjective
British English
- They created a beanbag seating area in the library.
- It was a very beanbag kind of party.
American English
- The startup office had a beanbag culture.
- We're going for a beanbag casual dress code.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts like 'We have beanbags in the breakout area for informal meetings.'
Academic
Very rare, except in design or childhood studies.
Everyday
Common, referring to furniture or children's toys.
Technical
Used in furniture design/manufacturing or game equipment specifications.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beanbag”
- Spelling as two words: 'bean bag' (acceptable variant, but 'beanbag' is standard). Using it as a verb without context ('I beanbagged' is non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'beanbag' (closed) and 'bean bag' (open) are used, but the closed form is more common in modern dictionaries and for the furniture item.
Informally, yes. It can mean 'to hit with a beanbag round' (law enforcement) or, humorously, 'to lounge idly on a beanbag'.
A beanbag is typically filled with loose beads and conforms to the body. A pouf is often firmer, upholstered, and may have a more structured shape, sometimes used as a footrest.
Caution is advised due to potential suffocation hazards from the loose filling if the bag ruptures. Always supervise young children and choose age-appropriate, well-constructed products.
A small cloth bag filled with dried beans or plastic pellets, used as a toy or as informal seating.
Beanbag is usually informal, everyday in register.
Beanbag: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbiːnbaɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbinˌbæɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bag full of BEANS that you can SIT on or THROW.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMALITY/COMFORT IS A SOFT, SHAPELESS CONTAINER (e.g., 'He just beanbagged in front of the TV all weekend').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'beanbag' LEAST likely to be used?