bench
UK: bentʃ | US: bentʃ
n. a long seat for multiple people, typically made of wood or metal
n. a flat working surface for tools or machinery (e.g., workbench)
n. the seat where judges or officials sit in a courtroom
The word "bench" traces back to Old English benc, meaning "a long seat." It shares roots with Germanic languages (e.g., Old High German bank), all referring to a raised seating surface. Over time, its meaning expanded to include work surfaces (e.g., "workbench") and symbolic seats of authority (e.g., "judge's bench"). The word’s simplicity reflects its ancient, practical origins.
The park bench was shaded by a large oak tree.
He repaired the clock on his workbench.
The judge addressed the court from the bench.
She sat on a bench to tie her shoelaces.
The carpenter’s bench was cluttered with tools.