mattress

noun

mat·​tress ˈma-trəs How to pronounce mattress (audio)
plural mattresses
Synonyms of mattressnext
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
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This prevents stains or dirt from coming into contact with the mattress. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 16 May 2026 If your mattress has been feeling a little too firm lately, this pillowy mattress topper is an easy fix without buying a whole new bed. Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 Margot’s room is dark and dingy, more like a cell with its anti-suicide windows, and the mattress shows unsavory traces of what looks very much like blood. Damon Wise, Deadline, 15 May 2026 Instead of testing a mattress under store lighting and time pressure, customers are evaluating it at home, where factors like room layout, lighting, and general comfort can influence the decision. Wyles Daniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for mattress

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of mattress was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Mattress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mattress. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

mattress

noun
mat·​tress ˈma-trəs How to pronounce mattress (audio)
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

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