bench
noun (countable)
UK/bentʃ/US/bɛntʃ/
A long seat, often made of wood or metal, designed for multiple people. It can also refer to the seat where substitute players sit during a sports match, or the seat occupied by a judge in a courtroom.
Example Sentences
We rested on the wooden bench under the old oak tree, enjoying the cool shade on a hot summer day.
The judge rose from the bench to address the courtroom, his long robes trailing behind him.
Fans cheered as the star player walked off the bench and stepped onto the field for the first time that season.
He built a simple garden bench for his backyard using reclaimed materials.
Many older church buildings still use traditional wooden benches, known as pews, to seat their congregations.
When the city renovated the park, they installed additional benches to accommodate more visitors.
While waiting for her train, she found an empty bench on the station platform to sit and read a book quietly.
During big tournaments, the reserve players on the bench eagerly watch the game, ready to join the action at a moment’s notice if called upon by the coach.
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Synonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/bentʃ/US/bɛntʃ/
To remove someone, especially a sports player, from active play and place them on the bench; to sideline or rest a player during a game.
Example Sentences
The coach decided to bench the goalkeeper after a series of costly mistakes.
He was benched for the entire second half due to a minor injury, despite protesting that he could still play.
The manager threatened to bench her star forward if he continued to argue with the referee.
They had no choice but to bench their power hitter to prevent further aggravation of his shoulder injury.
Sometimes, a player is temporarily benched to strategize and conserve energy until the most critical moments of a match.
Determined to regain his starting position, he used the time on the bench to study the opposing team’s tactics.
Coaches often bench underperforming athletes to give other team members a chance to prove their skills and energize the game.
Even the most renowned athletes occasionally find themselves benched, reminding everyone that consistent performance and team dynamics take precedence over individual fame.
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How to Use
A horizontal structure used for seating or as a workspace, or symbolizing judiciary roles.“Bench” often appears as a noun, referring to:
1. A simple, elongated seat found in parks, public areas, or sports settings. For example, “We sat on the bench by the river.”
2. A working platform or table, such as a “workbench” for crafts or construction tasks.
3. The seat occupied by judges in a courtroom, or collectively, the entire group of judges—“He was appointed to the bench.”
In casual usage, “bench” can also be a verb, meaning to remove a player from active participation in sports—“They benched the starter after the first quarter.” Or “to bench press” when weightlifting, describing the action of pressing weights from a bench. Using “bench” effectively depends on context: a conversation about a “bench” in a park indicates a place to sit, while “appointed to the bench” suggests a judge’s official position. Additionally, “bench players” are team members not currently on the field or court. The overarching theme remains a flat support—whether for sitting, working, or symbolizing authority in the legal realm.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for synonyms to avoid repeating “bench,” choose words that fit the situation. For seating, “seat,” “pew,” or “banquette” might apply, though “pew” is usually linked with churches, and “banquette” suggests built-in seating along walls. When referencing a workspace, “table,” “workstation,” or “counter” can sometimes suffice, though “workbench” is more precise for carpentry or mechanics. In the judicial sense, “the judiciary,” “the court,” or “the judge’s seat” can be used in place of “the bench,” but they may shift the formality or emphasis. For sports, you could say “sideline,” “dugout,” or “reserve” depending on the specific game or environment, though these might not be perfect matches. Each alternative helps zero in on the context, whether you’re describing furniture for seating, a workstation, a position of authority, or sports terminology. Selecting the right term ensures clarity about the bench’s function or symbolic meaning.
Writing
When writing about a bench, specify its purpose and setting to guide reader understanding. For a simple seating context, mention the material (wooden, metal, or stone) and location (a city park, a garden, a stadium). Adding details—like worn wood, a scenic view, or patterns of use—makes the reference more vivid, e.g., “A weathered wooden bench sat under the blooming cherry tree.” If you’re discussing a bench in a workshop, highlight its function—“He placed the tools neatly on the workbench, ready for the next project.” In legal or governmental discourse, “appointed to the bench” underscores judicial authority, while “the bench’s ruling” refers to decisions made by the court as an institution. For a sports angle, “He went to the bench after injuring his ankle,” clarifies the role of a reserve area for players. By grounding “bench” in context—furniture, workshop, court, or sports—your text provides a clear mental image and purpose for the reader. Whether descriptive, informative, or symbolic, it’s all about clarifying what kind of bench you mean and why it matters to the scene or argument.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, you might say, “Let’s sit on that bench for a minute,” if you spot a public seat. Friends could mention “benching a player” in sports talk, meaning they were taken out of a game. You might chat about needing a new “workbench” if you enjoy DIY projects or woodworking. Referring to judges or courts, someone might joke about “taking it to the bench,” although it’s more common to say “take it to court.” In some circles, “bench” is gym slang—like “What’s your bench?” asking about someone’s bench press weight. Overall, the term easily slides into relaxed speech to describe seats, sports decisions, or work areas. If you do mention “bench” regarding legal settings (“He’s on the bench now”), it can lend a more formal tone, but in casual talk it’s understood that you’re referencing the judicial seat or role. Because “bench” is so widely used, people typically grasp which sense is intended from the immediate context—be it sports, sitting, crafting, or law.
Etymology
“Bench” descends from Old English “benc,” meaning a long seat or table. Early benches were basic planks supported by trestles or simple frames for communal seating, fitting the communal lifestyle of medieval halls and gatherings. Over time, the idea expanded: a bench could be a work table for craftspeople or a designated seat for judges. Even then, the bench used by judges symbolized the authority and impartial stance of the court—a meaning that carried into modern law. In sporting contexts, referencing the sidelines as a “bench” also connects to the concept of a row of seats along the field. Today, “bench” maintains each of these threads—furniture for sitting, a platform for work or exercise, and a metaphor for judicial or sports authority. It’s a short but flexible word bridging everyday utility, legal symbolism, and recreational spaces alike.
