bench

bench · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A long seat for multiple people, typically made of wood.

  2. 2.

    (sports) The area where substitute players sit; reserve players collectively.

  3. 3.

    (law) The judge's seat in a courtroom; judges collectively.

  4. 4.

    A workbench; a table for working on.

  5. 5.

    (sports) Remove a player from a game; relegate to the bench.

Forms

plural: benches

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    on the bench — (sports) Not playing; (law) serving as a judge.
  • •
    bench press — A weightlifting exercise.
  • •
    warm the bench — Sit as a substitute without playing.
  • •
    bench trial — A trial by judge without a jury.

Related words

See also: chair, court, seat
Synonyms: pew, seat, settee

Etymology

From Old English benc, from Proto-Germanic bankiz. Related to German Bank and Dutch bank.