A bench can refer to several different things depending on the context:

Furniture: A long seat with or without a backrest, often made of wood, metal, or stone. Benches are typically used by multiple people to sit on, and can be found in parks, gardens, public spaces, or even inside homes.

Sports: In sports, particularly in team games like basketball, football, or soccer, the "bench" refers to the area where substitute players sit and wait to be called into the game. It can also refer to the players who are not starting or actively playing in a match.

Workplace: In a workshop or laboratory setting, a bench (like a workbench) refers to a sturdy surface or table where tasks such as crafting, repairs, or scientific work are performed.

Legal: In the context of law, the "bench" can refer to the judges in a courtroom or the collective body of judges who are responsible for making legal rulings.

Geography: In geology, a "bench" refers to a step-like feature in the landscape, often formed by erosion or deposition, that can appear in hillsides or mountains.