Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large sofa, often convertible into a bed: A "davenport" is a type of large, upholstered sofa, which historically was often designed to be converted into a bed.
   • A small decorative writing desk: A "davenport" can also refer to a specific style of antique writing desk, typically compact and with a slanted, hinged top.
   • A city in the U.S. state of Iowa: "Davenport" is the name of a city located in eastern Iowa on the Mississippi River.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Sofa):
  • The old davenport in the living room was surprisingly comfortable.
  • They unfolded the davenport to make a bed for their guest.
• Noun (Desk):
  • The antique dealer specialized in 19th-century davenports.
  • She kept her stationery in the drawers of the mahogany davenport.
• Noun (City):
  • Davenport is part of the Quad Cities metropolitan area.
  • He moved to Davenport for a new job.

Advanced Usage

• The term "davenport" for a sofa is now somewhat dated and less common in everyday American English, often replaced by terms like "sofa bed" or "convertible sofa."
• As a term for a desk, "davenport" is primarily used in an antique or historical context.

Variants and Related Words

• Sofa bed (n): A modern term for a sofa that converts into a bed.
• Convertible sofa (n): Another term for a sofa that can be transformed into a bed.
• Writing desk (n): A general term for a desk used for writing.

Synonyms

• Sofa, couch (for the furniture sense).
• Hide-a-bed, sleeper sofa (for the convertible sense).
• Secretary, escritoire (for the desk sense).

Related Idioms or Phrases

Noun

1. a large sofa usually convertible into a bed
2. a small decorative writing desk
3. a city in eastern Iowa on the Mississippi River across from Moline and Rock Island