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

The Real Risk Behind Corgi’s AI Startup Valuation Corgi’s seven-day workweek and office mattresses will generate plenty of commentary. — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Rooms and suites are spacious, with Frette linens, handmade Swedish mattresses, deep soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and floor-to-ceiling windows, while many overlook the Atlantic or the Miami skyline. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2026

Dorm room bedding essentials Create a comfortable, sleep-friendly space with the bedding essentials every dorm room needs, from Twin XL sheets to cozy mattress upgrades. — ABC News, 23 July 2026

Sleeper sofa mattresses tend to get a bad rap, especially for those who prefer a cloud-like bed mattress. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 23 July 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