Bench
/bentʃ/
Definitions
3 meaningsA long seat, typically made of wood or metal, for more than one person to sit on.
/bentʃ/
A long seat for two or more people.
The old bench in the garden was covered in moss.
💡 Simply: A seat for sitting.
More Examples
He sat on the bench and watched the children play.
How It's Used
"We sat on the park bench, enjoying the sunshine."
"The carpenter built a sturdy bench for the workshop."
The position or seat occupied by a judge or magistrates.
/bentʃ/
A judge's seat in a court of law.
The bench delivered its verdict.
💡 Simply: Where judges sit in a courtroom.
How It's Used
"The defendant stood before the bench."
To remove (a player) from a game or competition temporarily.
/bentʃ/
To put (someone) on a bench to substitute or rest.
The tired runner was benched for the final sprint.
💡 Simply: To take someone out of a game.
How It's Used
"The coach benched the star player due to injury."
From Old French 'banc', ultimately from Latin 'bancus' meaning 'bank, table'.
The word 'bench' has been used in its current meanings for centuries, with its legal sense appearing earlier than its sporting sense.
Memory tip
Think of a 'bench' as a place to 'bend' your knees and sit.