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

That widens the interior sleeping floor to 55 in (140 cm), which is actually wider than the mattresses in the newest Volkswagen California models. —C.c. Weiss may 01, New Atlas, 1 May 2026

Another sustainable mattress pick, Birch by Helix stands out for its natural materials and Fair Trade, GreenGuard Gold, and GOLS certifications. —Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026

How to Naturally Increase Growth Hormone During Sleep The Berkeley findings don’t call for a supplement stack or an expensive mattress. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026

There is a total lack of essential supplies for caring for older adults, such as mattresses, hygiene products, diapers, coats and blankets, García Morris said, listing some of the items her organization distributes to needy families. —Sarah Moreno updated April 29, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 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