noun
Uncommon
mattress
MAT-rihs
Mattress (noun) means a thick, cushioned pad, usually placed on a bed frame, that a person lies on to sleep. Example: “They bought a new mattress after years of sleeping on a lumpy old one.”
noun
1
A thick, cushioned pad, usually placed on a bed frame, that a person lies on to sleep.
"They bought a new mattress after years of sleeping on a lumpy old one."
"The mattress was firm enough to support her back."
"I turned the mattress over so it would wear evenly after a few months."
How to use mattress
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe padded part of a bed that you actually lie on, usually resting on a frame or springs.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
memory foam mattress
firm mattress
mattress topper
flip the mattress
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Word forms
- Plural
- mattresses
- Third person singular
- mattresses
- Past tense
- mattressed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They bought a new _____ after years of sleeping on a lumpy old one.
Etymology
From Old French, ultimately from Arabic matrah, "the place where something is thrown down" — from a Middle Eastern custom of sleeping on cushions laid on the floor.
Frequently asked questions
What does “mattress” mean?
The word “mattress” means a thick, cushioned pad, usually placed on a bed frame, that a person lies on to sleep. In plain terms, the padded part of a bed that you actually lie on, usually resting on a frame or springs.
How do you pronounce “mattress”?
“Mattress” is pronounced MAT-rihs (/ˈmætɹɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “mattress” in a sentence?
Here is “mattress” used in a sentence: “They bought a new mattress after years of sleeping on a lumpy old one.”
What part of speech is “mattress”?
“Mattress” is a noun.
Where does the word “mattress” come from?
The word “mattress” comes from Old French. From Old French, ultimately from Arabic matrah, "the place where something is thrown down" — from a Middle Eastern custom of sleeping on cushions laid on the floor.
Is “mattress” a common word?
“Mattress” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a mattress and a box spring?
A mattress is the thick, cushioned pad that a person lies on directly to sleep, while a box spring is the supportive base placed underneath it on a bed frame. The two work together, but only the mattress provides the actual surface for sleeping.
What is the difference between a mattress and a futon?
A mattress is a thick, cushioned pad typically placed on a bed frame for sleeping, while a futon combines a thinner mattress with a frame that can fold to double as seating. A standard mattress is not designed to fold or convert into furniture.
