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

Instead of paying thousands of dollars on a new bed, investing in a supportive mattress topper can help extend the life of an aging mattress (or make a firm one feel softer). —Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025

The Saatva Rx mattress can help. —Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025

Some found out even earlier in the day after their smart mattress tech malfunctioned. —PC Magazine, 22 Oct. 2025

Saatva is known online for luxury in both its sleep products and customer treatment (Saatva mattresses come with complimentary white glove delivery and old mattress removal). —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025

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