bench

Pluralbenches

Formsbenches, benching, benched

1. 1
   nouncountable

   A long seat for two or more people, often found in parks or schools.

   Like a chair made longer so several people can sit together.

   We sat on a bench in the park and ate our lunch.

   The students waited on the benches outside the gym.

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable

   The seat in a courtroom where the judge or judges sit.

   The judge walked to the bench, and everyone in the room stood up.

   The lawyer asked if she could come up to the bench to speak with the judge.

   Note
3. 3
   nounfiguratively

   The judge or judges in a court, thought of as one group.

   The bench decided that the man was not guilty.

   Lawyers must show respect to the bench at all times.

   Similarcourt, judiciary

   Note
4. 4
   nouncountable

   A padded seat at the gym that you lie or sit on while lifting weights.

   He lay back on the bench and lifted the bar.

   At the gym, wipe the bench with a towel after you use it.

   Note
5. 5
   nouncountable

   A strong table where people build or fix things with their hands.

   Grandpa keeps his tools on the wall above the bench in the garage.

   She held the wood down on the bench while she cut it.

   Similarworkbench

6. 6
   nouncountable

   The place where players and coaches sit when they are not in the game.

   The coach told him to wait on the bench until the second half.

   She cheered from the bench while her teammates were on the field.

   Note
7. 7
   verbtransitive

   To take a player out of the game so they sit and watch.

   The coach benched him after he missed two easy shots.

   If you skip practice, the coach will bench you.

   Similarsideline

   Oppositestart (entry)

   Note
8. 8
   verbcolloquialtransitive or intransitive

   To lift a weight while lying on your back on a special seat.

   He can bench two hundred pounds after a year of training.

   She benches at the gym three times a week.

   Similarpress, lift

   Note
9. 9
   nouncountable

   The biggest weight someone can push up while lying on their back.

   His bench went up by twenty pounds this year.

   Coach tested everyone's bench on the first day of practice.

   Note
10. 10
    nouncountable

    A seat where people sit together as part of their official job.

    The town council members took their seats on the bench at the front of the hall.

    At the hearing, the members of the board sat together on the bench facing the crowd.

    Note

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