beanbag
UK[ˈbiːnbaɡ]US[ˈbiːnbaɡ]
n
A small cloth bag filled with dried beans or similar material, used especially as a toy.
n
A large cushion filled with polystyrene beads, used as a casual seat.
Morpheme Breakdown
bean
bag
bean
seed
bag
container
Etymology
The word "beanbag" is a transparent English compound, formed by directly combining two common nouns. "Bean," a term of Germanic origin for the edible seed, and "bag," a term likely from Old Norse for a sack or flexible container, create a literal descriptor for an object. Historically, such bags filled with dried beans were inexpensive and readily available, used in simple games and as makeshift tools. Over time, the concept evolved from a basic plaything or exercise tool to also include large, soft furniture filled with modern materials like polystyrene beads, yet the original, descriptive compound name endured.
Analysis
Structure: bean (seed) + bag (container)
- "bean": From Old English bēan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch boon and German Bohne. Functions as the noun denoting the type of filling.
- "bag": From Old Norse baggi, of unknown ultimate origin. Functions as the noun denoting the container or sack.
Examples
The children played a game of toss with a small beanbag.
She relaxed in the comfortable beanbag chair in the corner of the room.
For the carnival game, you must throw the beanbag through the hole in the board.