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

The new arrivals were instructed to stuff their mattress from a large pile of dry straw behind the hotel. —Kevin Maurer, The Atlantic, 6 June 2026

Even though my bedroom style can vary, I’ve been inspired by a Mediterranean-meets-minimalist aesthetic these days—which is exactly why Quince’s linen bedding has been a mainstay on my mattress. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 6 June 2026

The mattresses are not included. —Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026

People can visit with their RVs, tents or rent a cabin that includes a nine-inch foam mattress. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 4 June 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