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

Yet, more than 75% of a mattress is recyclable, according to MRC: its wood, steel, foams and fibers can be stripped, sold and reused. —Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 13 Jan. 2025

Another customer, who likes for their bedding to drape low over the sides of the mattress, said that even the queen size fit their king bed and left ample fabric. —Shea Simmons, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2025

That included a fulfillment center in Pineville for large items such as mattresses and exercise equipment. —Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2025

Saginaw’s trash contractor, Waste Management, is asking residents to not put out bulky items like mattresses and couches. —Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 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