mattress

noun

mat·​tress ˈma-trəs How to pronounce mattress (audio)
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 The complaint indicated residents had pulled their mattresses into the common area and were refusing to sleep in their bedrooms. The Indianapolis Star, 5 Mar. 2024 Then again, experts warn that the viability of back sleeping depends on the firmness of the mattress. Brianna Kamienski, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024 That includes checking the mattress, baseboards, behind the headboard, nightstands and curtains. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2024 The Nectar Premier Copper, the best mattress for back pain. T3 AireLuxe Hair Dryer, the best hair dryer for salon-quality blow outs. Forbes Press Releases, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 Brooklinen super plush robe $99 $79 at Brooklinen Casper: For a mattress as soft as the one in your favorite hotel, Casper is offering 30 percent off mattresses and 10 percent off everything else through February 20. Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2024 Monday is Presidents Day, and retailers are already slashing prices on all sorts of items, from organic mattresses and camping beds to coffee makers and meat thermometers. Jenna Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024 Officers found the infant on a mattress on the floor in the living room, where she was pronounced dead. The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024 Backpacks and clothes hang from hooks on the cinderblock walls, and there were three small mattresses on the floor. Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mattress.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of mattress was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near mattress

Cite this Entry

“Mattress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mattress. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

mattress

noun
mat·​tress ˈma-trəs How to pronounce mattress (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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