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 bedstead

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

There are no weekends on construction sites; days begin and end on identical mattresses. —Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026

Quality sleep is essential to physical health, mental clarity, and daily performance—yet the mattress, the foundation of good sleep, is often overlooked. —Ethan M. Stone, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026

The Tuareg will also provide thick mattresses for sleeping outside. —Henry Haselock, TheWeek, 27 Feb. 2026

All Ostermoor mattresses arrive air sealed and roll packed in a box, no white glove service is available. —Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 27 Feb. 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