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

This twin-sized set fits mattresses up to 16 inches deep and is made from 100% cotton. — Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2026

Each chair transforms into a full-size foam mattress that's already stored inside -- no air pumps or extra storage required. — ABC News, 2 July 2026

This topper will easily fit your mattress, too, thanks to its deep pockets designed for mattresses up to 21 inches thick. — Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Luckily, Saatva, one of our favorite mattress brands, is hosting a limited-time Fourth of July sale. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 3 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