1
2
a
: a cushion for kneeling
a church hassock
b
: a padded cushion or low stool that serves as a seat or leg rest

Examples of hassock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For example, a coffee table is not important in front of the sofa, but a hassock with a tray filled with casual accessories is. Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 2 July 2019 The couple took to telephoning their customers -- their goal was 30 per day -- urging them to consider buying a table, a hassock, some wall art, anything. oregonlive, 21 Mar. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, sedge, from Old English hassuc

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hassock was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hassock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hassock. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
2
a
: a cushion to kneel on in prayer
b
: a cushion used as a seat or as a leg rest

More from Merriam-Webster on hassock

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