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

Guest rooms have been retrofitted with granny-chic chenille bedspreads, while modern upgrades include plush mattresses. —Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026

Linens, mattresses, and upholstered furniture can harbor dust mites, allergens, or even bacteria that are nearly impossible to remove. —Ashley Poskin, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026

Each mattress meets strict environmental standards and is made without fiberglass, formaldehyde or heavy metals. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 7 Mar. 2026

The volunteer cleaning teams found sofas, mattresses and other items dumped illegally on the streets and behind businesses. —Staff Report, Daily News, 6 Mar. 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