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

But the latest lawsuit provides disturbing details about what occurred on the night of the shooting, including reports that Nguyen allegedly shot through the lock of a neighbor’s door, breaking items, and fired at a bed frame and mattress before stealing money and a set of earphones. —Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024

But since launching its first mattress in 2014, the brand has introduced a bevy of sleep-adjacent products, from bed frames to nightlights and linens. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 15 Oct. 2024

While mattress pads aren’t exactly an essential bedding item, high-quality options work hard to protect your mattress while also adding a great deal of comfort to your unconscious life — and right now, Amazon has a great deal on one of our favorite mattress pads. —Neha Tandon, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024

If mattress noise is a top concern, keep on scrolling. —Suzy Forman, SELF, 14 Oct. 2024

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