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 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

According to a complaint, Williams-Sonoma was not able to prove either that the materials were sourced from the United States or that final assembly took place in the U.S. Truth in Advertising said that Williams-Sonoma now accurately lists the mattress as imported. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 29 Apr. 2024

The new appeal hinges on conducting state-of-the-art DNA testing on the mattress and a hammer with present-day technology. —Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 25 Apr. 2024

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