mattress

noun

mat·​tress ˈma-trəs 

plural mattresses

1

a

: a fabric case filled with resilient material (such as cotton, hair, feathers, foam rubber, or an arrangement of coiled springs) used either alone as a bed or on a bed frame

b

: a soft, airtight case that is designed to be inflated and used as a bed : air mattress

2

: a device (as of interwoven brush and poles) used to protect a shoreline, bank, or streambed from erosion

Examples of mattress in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dating back to 1853, Ostermoor’s mattresses have a storied history. — Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 10 Nov. 2026

James Agnew, left, and his wife, Suzanne Agnew were sentencing in April and November, respectively, for hiding a man's body under a plastic mattress while collecting his Social Security benefits. — Logan Smith, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026

To keep things cozy, Singapore Airlines will also provide 100 percent cotton bed linens, a duvet, and a new mattress topper by German luxury bedding pro Paradies. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2026

The Mayor’s office provided support through delivering mattresses and even portable showers. — Barry Levitt, Time, 6 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English materas, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin materacium, from Arabic maṭraḥ place where something is thrown

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing mattress

• air mattress
• mattress pad

Kids Definition

mattress

noun

mat·​tress ˈma-trəs 

1

: a fabric case filled with springy material used as a bed or on a bedstead

2

: a sack that can be filled with air or water and used as a mattress