cushion

1 of 2

noun

cush·​ion ˈku̇-shən How to pronounce cushion (audio)
1
: a soft pillow or pad usually used for sitting, reclining, or kneeling
2
: a bodily part resembling a pad
3
: something resembling a cushion: such as
c
: a pad of springy rubber along the inside of the rim of a billiard table
d
: a padded insert in a shoe
e
: an elastic body for reducing shock
f
: a mat laid under a large rug to ease the effect of wear
4
a
: something (such as an economic factor or a medical procedure) serving to mitigate the effects of disturbances or disorders
b
: a reserve supply (as of money)
c
: a comfortable lead
a 4–0 cushion in the ninth inning
cushionless adjective
cushiony adjective

cushion

2 of 2

verb

cushioned; cushioning ˈku̇-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce cushion (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to seat or place on a cushion
2
: to suppress by ignoring
3
: to furnish with a cushion
a cushioned seat
4
a
: to mitigate the effects of
trying to cushion the blow
b
: to protect against force or shock
cushion the ride
5
: to check gradually so as to minimize shock of moving parts

Examples of cushion in a Sentence

Noun There is a cushion under the rug to protect the floor. We didn't have a financial cushion when my husband lost his job. Verb The pile of leaves helped cushion his fall. The tax cut is meant to cushion the blow of soaring gas prices.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Note that this may mean threading them through an inconspicuous piece of cushion fabric. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2024 Image: Razer Other features include memory foam cushions on swiveling earcups, 40mm drivers, a detachable HyperClear cardioid microphone on an adjustable arm, and a mute button with a volume dial integrated into the left earcup. Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 24 Oct. 2024
Verb
Walmart also has memory foam moccasin slippers that will cushion your feet thanks to the faux fur lining. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 22 Oct. 2024 Our tester enjoyed side-sleeping on the soft side of this bed because the plush top layer kept their shoulders and hips cushioned. Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cushion 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cushion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English cusshin, from Anglo-French cussin, quissin, from Vulgar Latin *coxinus, from Latin coxa hip — more at coxa

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1738, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cushion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near cushion

Cite this Entry

“Cushion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cushion. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

cushion

1 of 2 noun
cush·​ion ˈku̇sh-ən How to pronounce cushion (audio)
1
: a soft pillow or pad to rest on or against
2
: something resembling a cushion in use, shape, or softness
3
: a rubber pad along the inner rim of a billiard table
4
: something serving to lessen the effects of something bad or unpleasant

cushion

2 of 2 verb
cushioned; cushioning -(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce cushion (audio)
1
: to place on or as if on a cushion
2
: to furnish with a cushion
3
: to soften or lessen the force or shock of

Medical Definition

cushion

noun
cush·​ion ˈku̇sh-ən How to pronounce cushion (audio)
1
: a bodily part resembling a pad
2
: a medical procedure or drug that eases discomfort without necessarily affecting the basic condition of the patient

More from Merriam-Webster on cushion

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