davenport

/ˌdævənˈpɔrt/

Other forms: davenports

A davenport is a piece of furniture that you might lounge on in your living room — it's another name for an upholstered couch or sofa.

Exactly how people describe a davenport depends on where they're from. In some parts of the U.S., a davenport is an especially fancy sofa, while in others it's one that can be converted into a bed. The name comes from a 19th century Massachusetts furniture maker, A.H. Davenport and Company. The family name Davenport goes back to a town in Cheshire, England. Earlier, the word referred to a small desk used for writing letters.

Definitions of davenport

1. noun

   a large sofa usually convertible into a bed
   types:

   chesterfield

   an overstuffed davenport with upright armrests

   type of:

   convertible, sofa bed

   a sofa that can be converted into a bed
2. noun

   a small decorative writing desk
   type of:

   desk

   a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments