cushion

1 of 2

noun

cush·​ion ˈku̇-shən How to pronounce cushion (audio)
1
: a soft pillow or pad usually used for sitting, reclining, or kneeling
2
: a bodily part resembling a pad
3
: something resembling a cushion: such as
c
: a pad of springy rubber along the inside of the rim of a billiard table
d
: a padded insert in a shoe
e
: an elastic body for reducing shock
f
: a mat laid under a large rug to ease the effect of wear
4
a
: something (such as an economic factor or a medical procedure) serving to mitigate the effects of disturbances or disorders
b
: a reserve supply (as of money)
c
: a comfortable lead
a 4–0 cushion in the ninth inning
cushionless adjective
cushiony adjective

cushion

2 of 2

verb

cushioned; cushioning ˈku̇-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce cushion (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to seat or place on a cushion
2
: to suppress by ignoring
3
: to furnish with a cushion
a cushioned seat
4
a
: to mitigate the effects of
trying to cushion the blow
b
: to protect against force or shock
cushion the ride
5
: to check gradually so as to minimize shock of moving parts

Examples of cushion in a Sentence

Noun There is a cushion under the rug to protect the floor. We didn't have a financial cushion when my husband lost his job. Verb The pile of leaves helped cushion his fall. The tax cut is meant to cushion the blow of soaring gas prices.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The cushions slide to make the seating larger or more intimate. Kevin Koenig, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024 Low amniotic fluid also means there is no cushion for protection. Jessica Van Egeren, Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024 The cushion isn’t removable, however, which could make cleaning it a bit difficult. L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2024 The Fins enjoyed the luxury of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa still being on his four-year, $30. 3 million rookie contract -- a ton of money for most of us, but loose change under the cushions for an NFL team and a young QB having a Pro Bowl season. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024 This would still leave a cushion for future budget shortfalls. Jenavieve Hatch, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2024 An orthopedic doctor diagnosed the mom of four from Bozeman, Montana, with a herniated disk, which happens when the rubbery cushions between your spinal bones move out of place or break open. Ashley Abramson, SELF, 29 Feb. 2024 Using an end table or sofa arm for support, lift your left foot behind you and rest it on top of the couch cushion. Dana Santas, CNN, 27 Feb. 2024 Police lifted the cushion and found a loaded handgun. Ken Armstrong, ProPublica, 26 Feb. 2024
Verb
Senators made several additions to the House version, including a $75 million appropriation to deliver an additional pension payment for retirees in the Kentucky Employee Retirement System to help cushion them from the impact of high inflation. Bruce Schreiner, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024 The bottom of the mailbox is cushioned with a plastic liner so packages won’t incur damage when they’re dropped into the compartment. Samantha S. Thorpe, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2024 Then try placing it on the clitoral hood to cushion the intense vibrations, or try placing it on other parts of your vulva like along your inner labia. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 3 Mar. 2024 Finding ways to increase your income can help cushion an increase in mortgage rates and payments. Reza Ghazi, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The five-layer memory foam insoles help cushion your feet for long-lasting comfort. Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 This eye mask from Kitsch features plush padding to gently cushion your eyes and keep light out without adding weight. Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 26 Feb. 2024 The frosting is made with pureed raspberries and used to cushion a layer of fresh raspberries hidden inside. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2024 But documentarians, at least, seem to be somewhat cushioned from blowback. Jada Yuan, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cushion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English cusshin, from Anglo-French cussin, quissin, from Vulgar Latin *coxinus, from Latin coxa hip — more at coxa

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1738, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cushion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near cushion

Cite this Entry

“Cushion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cushion. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cushion

1 of 2 noun
cush·​ion ˈku̇sh-ən How to pronounce cushion (audio)
1
: a soft pillow or pad to rest on or against
2
: something resembling a cushion in use, shape, or softness
3
: a rubber pad along the inner rim of a billiard table
4
: something serving to lessen the effects of something bad or unpleasant

cushion

2 of 2 verb
cushioned; cushioning -(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce cushion (audio)
1
: to place on or as if on a cushion
2
: to furnish with a cushion
3
: to soften or lessen the force or shock of

Medical Definition

cushion

noun
cush·​ion ˈku̇sh-ən How to pronounce cushion (audio)
1
: a bodily part resembling a pad
2
: a medical procedure or drug that eases discomfort without necessarily affecting the basic condition of the patient

More from Merriam-Webster on cushion

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