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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The event highlights the best deals and must-have seasonal items across categories including school supplies, dorm essentials, TVs, mattresses, home upgrades, fall fashion and football gear. — Jessica Moore, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026 The couples also received household items, including beds, mattresses, blankets, bed sheets and rugs. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 For a more eco-friendly mattress, Nolah’s Natural Hybrid Mattress is made with organic latex foam layers and an organic cotton cover. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2026 Individual item fees range from $41 for mattresses and box springs to $61 for computer monitors, with standard furniture, tires and appliances costing between $45 and $55 each. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 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

Phrases Containing mattress

Browse Nearby Words

mattrass
mattress
mattress pad
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mattress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mattress. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on mattress

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mattress

Nglish: Translation of mattress for Spanish Speakers

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