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

Blood Similar to cleaning urine stains, if the blood on your mattress is fresh, then start the process by soaking up excess liquid with a paper towel before cleaning the area. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026

The van also comes with two camping chairs and a table that stow away neatly beneath the mattress and features a California power mode that allows certain lights and ports to be used overnight. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026

Each has a king-size bed with a Casper mattress, custom The Henson robes and Frette towels, a frame TV, Marshall speakers, Grown Alchemist products, and a lot of natural light. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026

Then keep scrolling to shop more of the best early Labor Day mattress deals at Casper, Purple, Macy’s, and more. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 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