What does mattress mean?
A mattress is the padded, supportive part of a bed on which a person lies or sleeps. Modern mattresses may contain foam, springs, latex, fibers, or a combination of materials, and their softness and thickness are chosen according to personal preference, sleeping position, and desired support. In everyday speech, the word can also refer more broadly to the entire sleeping surface, especially when describing a new or replacement bed product. Common expressions include “memory foam mattress,” “mattress in a box,” and “mattress topper,” the last of which is a separate cushion placed over a mattress. Mattress also has an informal verb meaning meaning to sleep with or have sexual intercourse with someone; this use can be crude, sexual, or humorous depending on context. The word entered English from French and ultimately has roots in a family of Latin words associated with maternity and the idea of a bed or sleeping place.
A thick, padded support that forms the sleeping surface of a bed, filled or constructed with material such as foam, springs, latex, wool, or straw.
"The mattress was soft, supportive, and comfortable for side sleepers."
Usually countable; the standard plural is “mattresses.” In American English, “mattress” and “bed” may refer to the same product, while British usage more often distinguishes the mattress from the bed frame and bedding.
Informally, to sleep with or have sexual intercourse with someone.
"The comedian made a crude joke about having mattressed with the entire cast."
Informal and potentially vulgar. In British English it can mean simply to sleep with someone, while in American English it more often refers explicitly to sexual intercourse.
The standard plural of the noun is “mattresses.”
"The shop sells mattresses, bed frames, and matching bedroom furniture."
English borrowed its word for a sleeping pad from French: matelas is a diminutive associated with a bed, giving the modern word a delightfully domestic history.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mattress come from?
The English noun developed from medieval forms such as materas, borrowed from French matelas and related Old French spellings. French matelas was a diminutive associated with mater, a word for a bed, and ultimately connects with Latin mater, “mother.” The same Latin root also underlies cognates such as matrix, matrimony, matron, and matriculate.
Related word forms
How mattress is actually used
As a countable noun, the standard plural is “mattresses.” The verb is informal and may sound crude; in British usage it can mean simply to sleep with someone, while in American usage it more often refers explicitly to sexual intercourse.