C1noun1K

Bench

UK /["/bentʃ/"]/US /["/bentʃ/"]/

Definition

a long seat for two or more people, usually made of wood

In simple words: A long seat for several people.

Examples

  • a park bench
  • His lawyer turned to address the bench.
  • She has recently been appointed to the bench.
  • There was cheering from the Opposition benches.
  • the substitutes’ bench
  • He started the game on the bench but finished as the team’s top scorer.
  • He's sick of spending every game on the bench.
  • a carpenter’s bench

Usage notes

Use 'bench' when referring to a sitting area in parks or sports fields. It is not appropriate for formal settings, where 'seating' might be used instead.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'bench' press in the gym where you lie down to lift weights.

Collocations

  • empty
  • long
  • narrow
  • sit (down) on
  • seat
  • on a/​the bench
  • government
  • Opposition
  • Conservative
  • be on
  • sit on
  • from the… benchs
  • on the… benchs
  • empty
  • long
  • narrow
  • sit (down) on
  • seat
  • on a/​the bench
  • work
  • carpenter’s
  • lab
  • at a/​the bench

Synonyms

  • seat
  • stool
  • sitting area
  • long chair

Antonyms

  • collapse
  • fail

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'bench' with 'branch' when speaking.
  • Using 'benches' incorrectly in singular form.
  • Forgetting to use prepositions like 'on' (e.g., 'sit on the bench').