chesterfield

IPA/ˈtʃestəfiːld/
KK[tʃˈɛstɚfˌild]IPA/ˈtʃestərfiːld/

chesterfield — noun

  • chesterfieldsingular
  • chesterfieldsplural

1. a sofa whose sides and back reach one even height, often in leather with deep bu

1.nounC2
Definition

a sofa whose sides and back reach one even height, often in leather with deep buttons.

Example

In the hotel lounge, Anjali sank into the old leather chesterfield by the fire.

old leather chesterfield by the fire

The studio used a green chesterfield to make the interview set feel warm.

Common collocations
  • leather chesterfield
  • old chesterfield
  • buttoned chesterfield
  • sit on a chesterfield
Synonyms
  • sofa

    the broad everyday word, without the classic buttoned style

  • couch

    a more casual term, especially in North American speech

  • settee

    a more formal or old-fashioned word for a small sofa

Grammar Patterns

sit on a chesterfield

buy a chesterfield

Usage Note

In British-style interior writing, the word often points to the classic deep-buttoned sofa shape. In Canadian English, it can also be used more generally for a sofa.

Common Mistakes

We need another chesterfield in the hall, so buy any chair.
We need another chesterfield in the hall, so buy a sofa with the same high sides and buttoned back.
a chesterfield names a sofa style, not a chair in general.

2. a formal overcoat shaped close to the body and marked by a collar made of velvet

2.nounC2
Definition

a formal overcoat shaped close to the body and marked by a collar made of velvet.

Example

Outside the theatre, Rafael buttoned his dark chesterfield before the rain began.

buttoned his dark chesterfield

The tailor hung a grey chesterfield beside the morning suits in the shop.

Common collocations
  • dark chesterfield
  • grey chesterfield
  • wear a chesterfield
  • button a chesterfield
Synonyms
  • overcoat

    the broad term for a long coat worn over other clothes

  • topcoat

    a similar formal outer coat, often lighter or less specific in cut

  • dress coat

    a general label for a formal coat, not this exact style

Grammar Patterns

wear a chesterfield

button a chesterfield

Usage Note

Mostly found in older fashion writing and period settings. The word names a particular formal overcoat shape, not every long coat.

Common Mistakes

He grabbed a chesterfield for the hike because it was a warm sports jacket.
He wore a chesterfield to the opera because it was a formal overcoat.
a chesterfield is a dress overcoat, not a casual jacket.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

For this sense, chesterfield usually points to a sofa with a classic formal look, often leather and deep-buttoned. Sofa is the broad neutral word and works for almost any padded seat with room for more than one person. Couch is more casual in everyday North American speech and often sounds less formal than chesterfield. Settee is a more traditional or slightly old-fashioned word, sometimes suggesting a smaller or tidier piece of furniture. Davenport is now dated in many places and can overlap with old regional naming for sofas. If you are naming the distinctive traditional style, chesterfield is the most exact choice; for general daily use, sofa is usually safer.

chesterfield ↗sofa ↗couch ↗settee ↗davenport

Etymology

English

Chesterfield began as a title and later became the name of objects linked with a particular formal style. English first used it for a well-known sofa design, then also for a fitted overcoat with a velvet collar. In both senses, a family title turned into a common noun for a recognizable look.

First known use

1852

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1