benches

Noun

bench (plural benches)

1. A long seat with or without a back, found for example in parks and schools.
   • They sat on a park bench and tossed bread crumbs to the ducks and pigeons.
2. (figuratively) The people who decide on the verdict, collectively; the judiciary.
   • They are awaiting a decision on the motion from the bench.

   Synonyms:

   justiciary, judicature, judicial, judiciary, judicial branch

3. (figuratively) The office or dignity of a judge.
   • She sat on the bench for 30 years before she retired.

   Synonyms:

   justiceship, judgeship, judicature, justiciary

4. A long seat for politicians in a parliamentary chamber.
   • the government front bench
5. (figuratively) The dignity of holding an official seat.
   • the bench of bishops
6. (figuratively) The people who hold a certain type of official seat, collectively; a group of officeholders.
   • Mr. Zuckerberg’s repositioning of Meta started in earnest last year, when he began rearranging his bench of lieutenants.2022 July 26, Mike Isaac, “‘Operating With Increased Intensity’: Zuckerberg Leads Meta Into Next Phase”, in The New York Times

See all 26 meanings of bench