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

Shocking-pink bougainvillea and electric-blue morning glory twine up columns, providing a brilliant shot of color, while Javanese four-poster beds and rattan sun loungers are piled high with downy mattresses and cushions in Marni prints. — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2026

Ahead, shop 30 of my favorite finds, including sofas, Dutch ovens, mattresses, throw pillows, and more starting at just $9. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026

Local authorities opened schools, parks and public buildings as shelters, providing tents, mattresses and food to the displaced. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Check the bathroom vanity and mattress for spaces where a cat or kitten could crawl in and become trapped. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 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