Definition
A single, continuous upholstered seat that spans the width of a vehicle's interior, typically found in the front or back, allowing multiple passengers to sit in a row without a center console dividing them.
Example Usage
In the 1960s, most cars came with a bench seat in the front that could fit three people comfortably.
Origin
Standard in most American cars from the 1920s through the 1980s before individual bucket seats became the norm.
Fun Fact
Bench seats are experiencing a small resurgence in modern trucks and vehicles marketed for their simplicity and practicality.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
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See “bench seat” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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