noun

futon

FOO-tahn/ˈfuːtɑːn/

A mattress or cushioned bed used for sleeping and sometimes sitting.

The futon in our guest room doubles as a couch.

A low wooden futon sofa opened flat as a bed, with a thick flexible tufted mattress, a pillow and a partly folded sleeping blanket.

Etymology

futonJapanesebedroll; place to rest (reported)

The Japanese word is said to mean 'bedroll' or 'place to rest.' This connects the name with its sleeping function, even when the futon also serves as a sofa.

In context

kevin yee12:29

And I was literally sleeping on a Japanese futon, which basically meant I was sleeping on the floor.

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More examples

We roll out a futon on the floor each night.
She unfolds the futon when guests stay overnight.
These futons have removable covers that are easy to wash.

Forms

futon · futons

Similar words

mattress: Names the padded sleeping surface, not the whole convertible bed.
bed: Refers more broadly to sleeping furniture, often including a frame.