cushioning

1 of 2

noun

cush·​ion·​ing ˈku̇-sh(ə-)niŋ 

: protection against force or shock provided by a cushion

Wearers will be able to pump air into the shoe's sole for extra cushioning.

—Joseph Pereira

Ligaments keep the vertebrae in place during movement, and fibrous disks with jellylike centers provide cushioning between them.

—Jane E. Brody

As part of NASA's "better, faster, cheaper" philosophy, the most recent missions to Mars largely relied on airbag cushioning for a soft landing.

—Beth Daley

Engineered flooring goes down over a thin foam sheet, which provides cushioning and sound-dampening.

—Joseph Truini

cushioning

2 of 2

adjective

: providing protection against force or shock : providing or serving as a cushion

Investigators are testing new kinds of cushioning material.

—Think

The ads will promote two key cushioning technologies …

—Jeff Jensen

Normal wear and tear also erodes the cushioning cartilage in our knees and hips, which decreases height a bit.

—Bob Guldin

But when they become wet from perspiration, cotton or wool socks hold the moisture against your skin and lose their cushioning ability …

—University Of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter

The mission also demonstrated a low-cost means of landing on Mars using cushioning airbags …

—Astronomy

Examples of cushioning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The shoes are meticulously crafted to provide all-day comfortable wearing, which is made possible with their impact-absorbing midsoles and multiple layers of cushioning, complimented by ample ankle support. —Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2024

The footbed also has enough cushioning to provide support (ideal for flat feet). —Olivia Avitt, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024

The flared soles increase your dependency on the cushioning to absorb shock. —Laura Lancaster, Outdoor Life, 11 Apr. 2024

And there’s room for three, with ample seating and slip-resistant flooring and cushioning. —Sean Evans, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024

The light cushioning on the bottom of the foot and the front of the calf is helpful for kids who may not be used to the feel of rigid ski boots. —Maya Polton, Parents, 28 Mar. 2024

The cushioning is balanced, supportive, and very durable. —Hannah Singleton, Glamour, 22 Mar. 2024

The generous cushioning of the earpads and the headband makes the fit generally comfortable. —PCMAG, 17 Mar. 2024

They’re designed with the brand’s Ortholite comfort foam insole that provides lasting cushioning and breathability. —Lauren Fischer, Travel + Leisure, 27 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1851, in the meaning defined above