A couch or sofa, is a piece of furniture for seating two or more persons in the form of a bench, with or without armrests, that is partly or wholly upholstered, and often fitted with springs and tailored cushions.

Although a couch is used primarily for seating, it may be used for reclining. In homes, couches are normally found in the family room, living room, den, sitting room or the lounge. They are also found in hotels, lobbies of commercial offices, waiting rooms, furniture stores, etc.The term ‘couch’ is used in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland whilst the term ‘sofa’ is generally used in the United Kingdom.

The word originated in Middle English from the Old French noun couche, which derived from the verb meaning ‘to lie down’. It originally denoted an item of furniture for lying or sleeping on, somewhat like a chaise lounge, but now refers to sofas in general.