mattress

noun

mat·​tress ˈma-trəs 

plural mattresses

1

a

: a fabric case filled with resilient material (such as cotton, hair, feathers, foam rubber, or an arrangement of coiled springs) used either alone as a bed or on a bed frame

b

: a soft, airtight case that is designed to be inflated and used as a bed : air mattress

2

: a device (as of interwoven brush and poles) used to protect a shoreline, bank, or streambed from erosion

Examples of mattress in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After Collins’ family reported her missing, police followed a tip to the Pham’s unit, nestled behind NoDa’s main strip, and found Collins wrapped in duct tape and stuffed into a mattress. — Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2026

The two officers walked into room 2030 and found Harrison's husband, Charles Harrison, lying dead on the mattress, according to a criminal complaint. — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Bedrooms are outfitted with Wink mattresses and luxe Frette linens, and marble bathrooms are stocked with Aesop products and Dyson hair dryers. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026

Other more unique/experimental uses include concrete- and diesel-boosting additives, ingredients for battery anodes and aerogels, and even stuffing for cow mattresses. — Ben Coxworth october 07, New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English materas, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin materacium, from Arabic maṭraḥ place where something is thrown

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing mattress

• air mattress
• mattress pad

Kids Definition

mattress

noun

mat·​tress ˈma-trəs 

1

: a fabric case filled with springy material used as a bed or on a bedstead

2

: a sack that can be filled with air or water and used as a mattress