divan

divan, couch

noun dee-VAHN Rare

Origin: Turkish divan via Ottoman Turkish

Usage Note

Divan entered French through Ottoman Turkish and originally referred to a low cushioned seat used as a council chamber. In modern French it denotes a backless sofa or day bed, distinguishable from a canapé (sofa with back and arms). It remains common in interior-design and literary contexts.

Examples

"Il s'est allongé sur le divan du salon."

Natural Translation

He lay down on the living room divan.

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