folding bed

IPA/ˌfəʊl.dɪŋ ˈbed/
IPA/ˈfoʊl.dɪŋ ˌbed/

folding bed — noun

1. a bed designed to fold into a smaller shape, making it simple to carry and easy

1.nounB1
Definition

a bed designed to fold into a smaller shape, making it simple to carry and easy to put away when not needed.

Example

Hoa folded up her folding bed after the guests had gone home.

collocation: fold up a folding bed

A folding bed was set up in the corner of the study for Luca's visit.

passive: be set up

Common collocations
  • fold up a folding bed
  • set up a folding bed
  • a folding bed in the corner
  • sleep on a folding bed
  • a lightweight folding bed
Synonyms
  • camp bed

    British English term for a narrow folding bed, typically used outdoors or as a spare bed.

  • cot

    In British English, 'cot' can mean a folding bed for children or adults; in American English, 'cot' is a baby's bed, so avoid in US contexts.

  • rollaway bed

    A folding bed on wheels, commonly found in hotels; slightly larger and heavier than a standard folding bed.

Grammar Patterns

a folding bed

the folding bed

folding beds

Usage Note

Usually kept folded and out of sight when not needed; set up only when extra sleeping space is required. The plural 'folding beds' is common in hotel and camping contexts.

Common Mistakes

My grandmother sleeps on a foldable bed.
My grandmother sleeps on a folding bed.
'Folding bed' is the standard compound noun; 'foldable' is used for smaller objects like chairs or tables.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All these words describe a spare or portable sleeping surface. A 'folding bed' is the most general term for any bed that folds into a compact shape for storage. 'Camp bed' (common in British English) specifically suggests a narrow, lightweight frame used for camping or as an emergency spare bed. 'Cot' is ambiguous: in British English it can mean a folding bed for a child or an adult, but in American English 'cot' refers only to a baby's crib. 'Rollaway bed' adds wheels for easy movement and is the standard term in hotels. 'Sofa bed' (or 'sofa sleeper') looks like a sofa during the day and opens into a full bed at night, unlike a folding bed which is stored away entirely. Example: 'The hotel sent up a rollaway bed for our daughter, while the campsite had basic camp beds.'

camp bed ↗cot ↗rollaway bedsofa bed

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • fold up a folding bed
  • set up a folding bed
  • sleep on a folding bed
  • store a folding bed

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word 'folding bed' is a compound formed from 'folding' (the present participle of 'fold', from Old English 'fealdan', meaning 'to bend or double over') and 'bed' (from Old English 'bedd', meaning 'a sleeping place'). The compound came into use in the mid-19th century with the invention of collapsible metal bed frames designed for military campaigns and small homes.