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

The Kleox Festival provides a sizable floor area of 83 x 50 in (210 x 126 cm) for sleeping, and campers can either use their own sleeping gear or purchase the available folding 79 x 47-in (200 x 120-cm) folding mattress, which doubles as a sofa seat. —New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2025

This one is made from a mix of solid and engineered wood for extra durability, and the slats and center legs keep your mattress in place. —Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2025

The brand's toddler mattress is backed by a 10-year limited warranty. —Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Far from uncomfortable, these orangutans even know how to build luxury items such as pillows, blankets, mattresses (linings), and roofs to make their nests weather-proof. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 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