bucket seat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Automotive
Quick answer
What does “bucket seat” mean?
A type of car seat with high, curved sides designed to support and hold the occupant firmly in place, typically found in sports cars.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of car seat with high, curved sides designed to support and hold the occupant firmly in place, typically found in sports cars.
Any individual, contoured seat with pronounced side bolsters, designed to provide lateral support, originally derived from motorsport but now also found in some office chairs or gaming chairs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly associated with speed, performance, and a sporty driving experience in both cultures.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English due to a larger automotive enthusiast culture, but widely understood in both.
Grammar
How to Use “bucket seat” in a Sentence
The [Vehicle] has bucket seats.He installed a pair of bucket seats in his [Car].She sat in the driver's bucket seat.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bucket seat” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The bucket-seat design was very snug.
- It had a bucket-seat feel.
American English
- He wanted a bucket-seat setup for his track car.
- The bucket-seat experience is more immersive.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in automotive manufacturing or retail marketing.
Academic
Very rare, limited to technical papers in automotive engineering or design.
Everyday
Common among car enthusiasts, understood by general public when discussing car features.
Technical
Standard term in automotive design, motorsport, and car modification contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bucket seat”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bucket seat”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bucket seat”
- Referring to any single car seat as a 'bucket seat' (it must have the characteristic high sides).
- Spelling as 'buckit seat'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the specific seat and the user. Some high-end bucket seats are designed for comfort and support over long distances, while racing-oriented models can be very firm and restrictive, better suited for short, dynamic drives.
Technically yes, with the correct mounting brackets (often called 'subframes' or 'adapters'). However, it's crucial to ensure they are compatible with the car's floor plan and, for the driver's seat, that they don't interfere with controls. Professional installation is recommended for safety.
All racing seats are a type of bucket seat, but not all bucket seats are suitable for racing. A true 'racing seat' is often lighter, made from materials like fibreglass or carbon fibre, has even more pronounced bolsters, and is usually FIA certified for use in sanctioned motorsport.
Most factory-fitted bucket seats from car manufacturers are integrated with side-airbag systems. Aftermarket bucket seats, however, rarely include airbags. Installing aftermarket seats without airbags can deactivate the car's SRS (airbag) system for that seat and may affect safety ratings and insurance.
A type of car seat with high, curved sides designed to support and hold the occupant firmly in place, typically found in sports cars.
Bucket seat is usually informal, automotive in register.
Bucket seat: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbʌk.ɪt ˌsiːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbʌk.ɪt ˌsit/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be glued to the bucket seat (to be very scared/excited while driving).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a literal bucket turned upside down - its deep, curved sides resemble the supportive shape of this seat.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SEAT IS A CONTAINER (for the body).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary design feature of a bucket seat?