cushioning

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

Examples of cushioning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The latest Apple AirPods 3, a small but mighty set of earbuds with impressive sound quality and ergonomic cushioning, are quietly down to $200, while the newest MacBook Air has an impressive $200 discount. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026

The water-resistant kicks are made from recycled bottles, contain anti-microbial and anti-odor properties in the insole, and have the brand’s signature anatomical cushioning and arch support for superior comfort. —Lauren Finney Harden, InStyle, 2 June 2026

The Ghost 17s are an Amazon bestseller, with both walkers and runners loving their breathability, comfort, and cushioning. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026

The Hoka Mafate 5 Trail Running Shoes have the same pillow-soft cushioning as its popular sibling, the Bondi 9. —Nicolette Accardi, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above