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 bedstead

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

Fortunately, the heat from a steam cleaner can sanitize your mattress and kill unwanted germs. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026

In the initial design, the two side tents serve as bedrooms, with the level, raised floors supporting thick double mattresses that appear more like beds from home than thin camping mats. —New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2026

Big-ticket items are typically on deep discount this weekend including household appliances, furniture, mattresses and electronics. —Allie Canal, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026

This bestseller also has deep pockets to fit a grand-size mattress. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 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