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

Serta’s Labor Day sale offers up to $925 in savings on select mattresses. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2025

Deciding on a comfortable mattress might be the most important step in securing a good night’s sleep, but picking fluffy, lightweight bedding is a close second. —Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025

Plus, the slats on the bottom of the bed are supportive enough to hold a mattress without a box spring. —Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Aug. 2025

Blood smears were discovered on multiple areas of a mattress in the bedroom, along with a knife. —Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 15 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