furniture
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈɜːnɪtʃə/
US
- /ˈfɜrnɪtʃər/
Description
- movable objects
- household items
- furnishings
Furniture isn't just chairs and tables; it's the movable things that make a house feel like a home. Think of it as the supporting cast in the story of your daily life. You sit on it, eat at a table, and store things in it. A bare room is simply space; add furniture, and suddenly it becomes a living room, bedroom, or office. It's more than just practical; furniture often reflects our style and personality. From antique armoires to sleek modern sofas, furniture shapes how we live and interact with our surroundings.
Furniture refers to movable objects intended to support various human activities such as seating (chairs, stools), eating (tables), sleeping (beds), and storage (dressers, cabinets). The word comes from the Old French "fourniture," meaning "equipment" or "supplies," hinting at its original purpose: providing what's needed for living.
While we often think of furniture as being inside a home, it can also be found in offices, schools, gardens, and other spaces. The style and materials used to create furniture vary widely depending on culture, time period, and personal preference—from the ornate carvings of Victorian pieces to the minimalist lines of Scandinavian design.
The term "furniture" encompasses a vast range of items: beds, sofas, tables, chairs, desks, bookshelves, wardrobes, chests of drawers, ottomans, and side tables. It's not just about function, though; furniture can be an expression of art, craftsmanship, and personal taste. A well-chosen piece of furniture can become a family heirloom, passed down through generations, carrying with it memories and stories.
So, next time you sink into your favorite armchair or gather around the dining table, remember that furniture is more than just a collection of objects—it is an integral part of our lives, shaping how we live, work, and connect with one another.
Examples
- 1
New apartment
We need to buy some furniture for the new apartment.
- 2
Hotel room
The hotel room had very little furniture.
- 3
Counting items
That old desk is the only piece of furniture I kept from my first office.
Grammar
piece of furniture
used to count one individual item
- 4
Home painting
Please help me move the furniture away from the wall before we paint.
- 5
Outdoor use
They make outdoor furniture that can stay outside all year.
- 6
Office purchase
The company ordered new office furniture for the whole team.
- 7
Second-hand buying
We bought most of our furniture second-hand.
- 8
Rental listing
The house was rented with all the furniture included.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- furniturenoun