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

2 of 2

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 Nike’s famous air cushioning, this pair is partially made with recycled materials and is part of the brand’s big push toward becoming a zero-carbon, zero-waste company. —Kristine Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2024

Brooks Glycerin 20 Running Shoe, $100 (Save 38%) $160 $100 The Glycerin 20 sneaker’s midsole is made of cushioning that’s soft, lightweight, and plush without feeling heavy. —Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 8 May 2024

This cushioning whip-like SPF moisturizer from Supergoop! —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 8 May 2024

The thin, flexible bandages are comfortable, and the discreet cushioning keeps the medicated disk in place. —Lacey Muinos, Verywell Health, 3 May 2024

Featuring a memory foam insole and shock-absorbing midsole, these sneakers provide exceptional cushioning and stability all day long. —Bethany Braun-Silva, ABC News, 2 May 2024

The stewards of the skies have long petitioned for a bit of cushioning under their wings. —Chloe Berger, Fortune, 1 May 2024

Hoka Women’s Gaviota 4 Wide Sneakers Designed for wide feet, these sneakers are crafted with impressive cushioning not only on the soles, but also on the tongues and linings for all-around foot comfort. —Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2024

This iteration sports lighter cushioning than the GTS 22, but that doesn’t mean the shoe isn’t comfortable, there’s just less material to hold you back during your sprints. —Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 20 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1851, in the meaning defined above