futon

noun

fu·​ton ˈfü-ˌtän How to pronounce futon (audio)
plural futons also futon
Synonyms of futonnext
: a usually cotton-filled mattress used on the floor or in a frame as a bed, couch, or chair

Examples of futon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This process included buying a physics-defying piece of furniture that without aid of magic could toggle between both a bed and sofa — something called a futon. — Blake J. Harris, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026 Picture two futons laid out next to each other—that's the size of the room (about 75-square-feet). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026 Right now, there are massive markdowns on cozy loveseats, cloud-like couches, futons, and sprawling sectionals for as little as $149. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026 ReStore does not accept baby equipment, futons, unframed mirrors, or linoleum. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for futon

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of futon was in 1876

Rhymes for futon

See All Rhymes for futon

Browse Nearby Words

futilous
futon
futsal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Futon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/futon. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

futon

noun
ˈfü-ˌtän
plural futons also futon
: a usually cotton-filled mattress used on the floor or in a frame as a bed, couch, or chair
Etymology

Japanese

More from Merriam-Webster on futon

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for futon

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about futon

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of fervid

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All