feath·er·bed
ˈfe-t͟hər-ˌbed 
: calling for, sanctioning, or resulting from featherbedding
a featherbed rule
a featherbed job
featherbedded; featherbedding; featherbeds
1
a
: to require that more workers be hired than are needed
b
: to limit production under a featherbed rule
2
: to do featherbed work or put in time under a featherbed rule
1
: to bring under a featherbed rule
2
: to assist (something, such as an industry) by government aid
1
: a feather mattress
2
: a bed having a feather mattress
Examples of featherbed in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Lizz Schumer, People.com, 1 May 2025
De Hales left Basilia, gave up his shop, and sold all of his possessions, including two feather beds, and some pots and utensils worth two shillings and sixpence.
—Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2024
The records — in some cases, family wills that show enslaved human beings bequeathed along with feather beds and farm animals — provide a visceral link between today’s decision makers and slavery.
—Reuters, NBC News, 27 June 2023
Villa-style accommodations with Italian furnishings, fireplaces and feather beds furthered the away-from-it-all feeling.
—Christina Julian, latimes.com, 3 July 2019
Blue-, orange-, and green-hued rooms have travertine showers and feather beds.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2017
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Noun
The girl yawned, feeling the pace of her run, then stretched out on the mossy ground, which was as soft as a feather bed.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 1 May 2025
De Hales left Basilia, gave up his shop, and sold all of his possessions, including two feather beds, and some pots and utensils worth two shillings and sixpence.
—Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2024
The records — in some cases, family wills that show enslaved human beings bequeathed along with feather beds and farm animals — provide a visceral link between today’s decision makers and slavery.
—Reuters, NBC News, 27 June 2023
Villa-style accommodations with Italian furnishings, fireplaces and feather beds furthered the away-from-it-all feeling.
—Christina Julian, latimes.com, 3 July 2019
Blue-, orange-, and green-hued rooms have travertine showers and feather beds.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Featherbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/featherbed. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
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