banquette

noun

ban·​quette baŋ-ˈket How to pronounce banquette (audio)
ban-
sense 1b also ˈbaŋ-kət
Synonyms of banquettenext
1
a
: a raised way along the inside of a parapet or trench for gunners or guns
b
Southern US : sidewalk
2
a
: a long upholstered bench
b
: a sofa having one roll-over arm
c
: a built-in usually upholstered bench along a wall

Examples of banquette 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.
In its café, romantic classical tableaux adorn the walls; the banquettes are clad in amethyst velvet; and marble tiles are arranged in geometric patterns on the floor. — Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026 This is a place to order something sparkly—maybe the Broadway 75, a pale pink French 75 riff—to sip at the circular bar, or ensconced in the velvet banquette seats. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026 Then customers can take a seat at a brown banquette and pristine white marble tables, dine at the bar or on the patio near the wine window. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 Dominic Sessa, the star of the film, sported his Bourdain-esque curls (absent were the accompanying mutton chops) and swirled a glass of red wine while tucked into one of the massive banquettes. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for banquette

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, from Old Occitan banqueta, diminutive of banc bench, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English benc bench

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of banquette was in 1629

Rhymes for banquette

See All Rhymes for banquette

Browse Nearby Words

banquet room
banquette
banquette slope
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Banquette.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/banquette. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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