Ottoman

[ot-uh-muhn]

adjective

1. of or relating to the Ottoman Empire.

2. of or relating to the lands, peoples, and possessions of the Ottoman Empire.

noun

plural

Ottomans 

1. a Turk.

2. a Turk of the family or tribe of Osman.

3. (lowercase),  a cushioned footstool.

4. (lowercase),  a low cushioned seat without back or arms.

5. (lowercase),  a kind of divan or sofa, with or without a back.

6. (lowercase),  a corded silk or rayon fabric with large cotton cord for filling.

ottoman

¹

/ ˈɒtəmən /

noun

1. 1. a low padded seat, usually armless, sometimes in the form of a chest

   2. a cushioned footstool

2. a corded fabric

Ottoman

²

/ ˈɒtəmən /

adjective

1. history of or relating to the Ottomans or the Ottoman Empire

2. denoting or relating to the Turkish language

noun

1. a member of a Turkish people who invaded the Near East in the late 13th century

Other Word Forms

• Ottomanlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ottoman¹

1575–85; < French < Italian ottomano, after the founder of the empire ( Arabic ʿuthmān ); Ottoman defs. 5, 6, 7, 8 < French ottomane (feminine)

Word History and Origins

Origin of ottoman¹

C17: from French ottomane, feminine of _Ottoman

Origin of ottoman²

C17: from French, via Medieval Latin, from Arabic Othmāni Turkish, from Turkish Othman _{Osman I}

Example Sentences

They also surprised me with a surfing shirt that just says “California” that’s on the ottoman.

From Los Angeles Times

“Support your back with team pillows for even more comfort. Bean bag chairs or floor pillows accommodate the younger spectators. An upholstered ottoman serves double-duty — put your feet up or serve snacks on a tray.”

From Seattle Times

In one room lined with faux-wood paneling and cherry-red ottomans, she even shows herself in each painting twice, dressed in form-fitting animal-print tights and happily engaged in wrestling matches with herself.

From Los Angeles Times

From an unforgettable decanter to an adorable ottoman, these 8 items will awaken your inner interior designer.

From Los Angeles Times

“Instead of a large cocktail table in your hang-out zone, include a collection of small tables and a pouf or ottoman to continue with the theme of keeping your space flexible, “ she says.

From Seattle Times