WordGarden.iomattress
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈætrəs/
US
- /ˈmætrəs/
Meanings
Noun
a large padded surface used for sleeping on in a bed
Beyond the definition
Imagine sinking into comfort after a long day - that's the job of a mattress. A mattress is a large, usually rectangular pad that supports your body while you sleep. But it's more than just soft filling and fabric. Long ago, mattresses were often stuffed with straw, feathers, or hay instead of springs or foam. Today, you can find them made from innerspring, memory foam, latex, or a mix of materials.
The word "mattress" comes from the Arabic word matrah, meaning "something thrown down." That fits well, because early forms really were simple things people laid down to sleep on. You might say you need a new one if your current bed feels lumpy, saggy, or unsupportive. A good night's sleep often starts there.
A mattress is a large, padded surface made to support the body during sleep or rest. It is the main part of a bed and usually sits on a bed frame, box spring, base, or the floor. Most people think of it as a bedroom item, but it also appears in other settings, such as camping with an air mattress or as temporary bedding for guests.
The history of mattresses is long and varied. Early versions were simple sacks filled with straw or other natural materials. Over time, people began using feathers, horsehair, cotton, springs, foam, and many other fillings. Today there are many common types. Innerspring models give a more classic feel. Memory foam shapes itself to the body. Latex is often chosen for its strength and springiness. Hybrid designs mix two or more materials to combine their benefits.
The word also appears in familiar expressions. For example, if someone says they keep money "under the mattress," they usually mean they keep cash at home instead of trusting a bank. In everyday life, a mattress is strongly linked with sleep, comfort, health, and home. So whether you are talking about choosing a firm one for better rest, setting up a guest bed, or using the phrase about hidden cash, the word suggests a place of rest, recovery, and safety.
Examples
- 1
Spare room
We need a new mattress for the spare room.
- 2
Comfort problem
This mattress is too soft, so I wake up with back pain.
- 3
Temporary bed
The kids slept on an air mattress in the living room.
- Phraseair mattress
a mattress filled with air
- 4
Guest bed
Put a clean sheet and a mattress protector on the bed before the guests arrive.
- Phrasemattress protector
a removable cover that helps keep a mattress clean
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Hidden money
He doesn't trust banks and keeps cash under his mattress.
- Phrasekeep cash under your mattress
keep money at home instead of in a bank
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- mattressnounverb
Forms
- mattressespluralnounverb
- mattressedpast tenseverbnoun
- mattressing-ing formverbnoun