cushioning

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noun

cush·​ion·​ing ˈku̇-sh(ə-)niŋ 

: protection against force or shock provided by a cushion

Wearers will be able to pump air into the shoe's sole for extra cushioning.

—Joseph Pereira

Ligaments keep the vertebrae in place during movement, and fibrous disks with jellylike centers provide cushioning between them.

—Jane E. Brody

As part of NASA's "better, faster, cheaper" philosophy, the most recent missions to Mars largely relied on airbag cushioning for a soft landing.

—Beth Daley

Engineered flooring goes down over a thin foam sheet, which provides cushioning and sound-dampening.

—Joseph Truini

cushioning

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adjective

: providing protection against force or shock : providing or serving as a cushion

Investigators are testing new kinds of cushioning material.

—Think

The ads will promote two key cushioning technologies …

—Jeff Jensen

Normal wear and tear also erodes the cushioning cartilage in our knees and hips, which decreases height a bit.

—Bob Guldin

But when they become wet from perspiration, cotton or wool socks hold the moisture against your skin and lose their cushioning ability …

—University Of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter

The mission also demonstrated a low-cost means of landing on Mars using cushioning airbags …

—Astronomy

Examples of cushioning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In addition to their versatile style, these sneakers have an EVA midsole with lightweight cushioning that allows for extra support and comfort. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 11 June 2024

While Apple can boast of similarly high figures, only Tesla’s is highly organized, extremely motivated, and effective at amplifying gains or cushioning falls. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 10 June 2024

The seats are in a 3-3-3 layout, so avoiding the tight middle seat could be tough; though extra features like universal PC power ports and USB ports at every seat, thick cushioning, and a headrest that adjusts up and down, should help ease the pain. —Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 May 2024

Proper cushioning can lead to peaceful slumber and less creaky mornings. —Hilary Tetenbaum, Detroit Free Press, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1851, in the meaning defined above