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

Futons are surprisingly comfortable (just don't expect a plush mattress). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

Other more unique/experimental uses include concrete- and diesel-boosting additives, ingredients for battery anodes and aerogels, and even stuffing for cow mattresses. — Ben Coxworth october 07, New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2026

Last winter destroyed thousands of tents in Gaza, soaking clothes, mattresses, and bedding, even as Save the Children reported that Israel was blocking critical aid such as tent poles, winter clothes, and blankets. — Mosab Abu Toha, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2026

This mattress topper from Tempur-Pedic adds three inches of supportive memory foam right on top of your existing mattress. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 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