chesterfield: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, somewhat dated in furniture context; historical in clothing context.
Quick answer
What does “chesterfield” mean?
A large, deep, upholstered sofa, typically with arms and a back of the same height, often made of leather.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, deep, upholstered sofa, typically with arms and a back of the same height, often made of leather.
In North America, it can also refer to a type of overcoat, though this usage is now rare and historical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British/Commonwealth English, it exclusively refers to a type of sofa. In American English, the primary meaning is also the sofa, but there is a secondary, historical meaning referring to a long, fitted overcoat.
Connotations
In the UK/Commonwealth, it connotes a traditional, often leather, substantial piece of furniture. In the US, the furniture sense may sound slightly British or formal; the coat sense is archaic.
Frequency
The word is more common and unmarked in British/Commonwealth English for furniture. In American English, 'sofa' or 'couch' are more frequent generic terms.
Grammar
How to Use “chesterfield” in a Sentence
The chesterfield [VERB] in the corner.They have a [ADJECTIVE] chesterfield.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chesterfield” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chesterfield-style armchair complemented the room.
- He preferred a chesterfield leather finish.
American English
- The office had a chesterfield look with dark wood and leather.
- It was a chesterfield-inspired sofa.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in furniture retail, interior design, and antique dealing.
Academic
Appears in historical, design, and material culture studies.
Everyday
Used when describing furniture, especially in homes with traditional decor.
Technical
Specific term in furniture making and upholstery for a particular style.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chesterfield”
- Using it as a generic term for any sofa in American English.
- Pronouncing it as /tʃɛstərˈfiːld/ (stress on the second syllable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but leather, especially buttoned leather, is the most classic and common material associated with the style.
Not exactly. A chesterfield is a specific type of sofa with characteristic deep buttoning, rolled arms, and a high back. Not all sofas are chesterfields.
It is named after the 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694–1773), a noted statesman and style icon, for whom the original design was supposedly commissioned.
No, it is an archaic term. You might encounter it in historical novels or texts, but in modern usage, 'chesterfield' almost exclusively means a sofa.
A large, deep, upholstered sofa, typically with arms and a back of the same height, often made of leather.
Chesterfield is usually formal, somewhat dated in furniture context; historical in clothing context. in register.
Chesterfield: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɛstəfiːld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɛstərˌfild/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHEST that's a FIELD of comfort – a large, padded sofa you can sink into.
Conceptual Metaphor
FURNITURE AS A STATUS OBJECT (traditional, substantial, often leather).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English can 'chesterfield' historically refer to a type of coat?