cushioning

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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

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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 linen-blend upholstery offers breathable comfort for movie marathons and slumber parties, while the cushioning provides ample lumbar and neck support. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2026

Extra cushioning at the heel and forefoot helps make impact more comfortable, too. —Christa Sgobba, Glamour, 31 Mar. 2026

The cushioning also offers support to prevent foot pain while running. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2026

Brooks Ghost 17 A blend of soft and dynamic cushioning in the midsole, plus forefoot flex grooves, help the Ghost 17 roll smoothly and comfortably for miles. —Lisa Jhung, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1851, in the meaning defined above