window seat

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A seat in a plane, train, bus or car that is next to a window.

   Grammar: Often used with a verb of choosing: I asked for a window seat.

   Patterns

   • book a window seat
   • get a window seat

   I always ask for a window seat so I can see the clouds.

   She gave up her window seat so her friend could take photos.

   We were lucky to get a window seat on the morning train.

2. 2nouncountable

   A built-in bench or cushioned ledge below a window in a house, where people can sit and look outside.

   Grammar: Refers to part of a room: a reading nook with a window seat.

   Patterns

   • a cushioned window seat
   • curl up in a window seat

   The cat spent every afternoon curled up in the window seat.

   She built a window seat with storage drawers underneath.

   Reading in the window seat on a rainy day is my favorite thing.

Word forms

Common combinations

book a window seat

I tried to book a window seat when I bought the ticket.

prefer a window seat

Most children prefer a window seat on long trips.

cushioned window seat

The cushioned window seat made a perfect reading corner.

secure a window seat

He arrived early to secure a window seat.

window seat or aisle seat

Do you want a window seat or an aisle seat?

Synonyms and how they differ

window bench

This refers only to the built-in bench at home, while window seat can also mean a seat on a vehicle.

bay seat

A bay seat is built into a projecting bay window, so it is narrower in meaning than window seat.

seat by the window

This is a plain description that works anywhere, though window seat is the standard travel term.

Opposites

Word family

window noun

an opening in a wall fitted with glass

seat noun

a place to sit

aisle seat noun

the opposite choice on a plane or train

Commonly confused: window seat or window sill?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “window seat”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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