A chaise longue (French for "long chair") is an upholstered couch in the shape of a chair that is long enough to support the legs. It is also known as a "chaise lounge" (primarily North American) due to a misspelling of the name during its introduction in North America. Given the purpose of the chair was to lounge around on, the misspelled naming has stuck. The outdoor furniture called a lounge chair are also referred to as "chaise lounges" in North America, likely due to the similar shape.