mattress

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "mattress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a piece of furniture made of padding and fabric designed to be used as a bed for sleeping or for relaxing. Example sentence: I'm going to buy a new mattress, since the one I have is sagging.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Angele takes a mattress and lays it on the floor in the living room.

The Guardian

At first, officers saw only a mattress on the floor and a refrigerator in an exterior room.

The Guardian

Alison wipes down a mattress and I close my notebook.

The Guardian

The court in the conservative Muslim country was treated to the spectacle of the mattress, on which the allegedly offending acts occurred, being wheeled in and out.

The Guardian

The Columbia University graduate who carried a dorm room mattress on campus for months in protest at the school's refusal to expel the man she accused of raping her, released a performance art piece that depicts a sexual encounter she warns "may resemble rape".

The Guardian

However, Sulkowicz vowed to carrythe mattress across the university's New York campus and into classes until the school expelled Nungesser.

The Guardian

If you find it difficult to sleep on a blow up mattress perhaps a pint or two of Blackout, brewed by the New Inn pub two miles away will help.

The Guardian - Travel

I want a shower and a cooker and a proper mattress, and if I could, I'd have a bath.

The Guardian

Sulkowicz and her mattress became a powerful symbol of the movement to reform campus sexual assault proceedings after she decided to carry it around the university for her visual arts senior thesis.

The Guardian

Anwar's DNA from his semen was found on the mattress.

The Guardian

Last year, 30 miles up the road from my constituency, more than 40 Hungarians were found working for less than £2 a day in a mattress factory in Dewsbury, and living in squalid conditions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the quality of a "mattress", be specific about its features, such as firmness, material (e.g., memory foam, innerspring), and size (e.g., king, queen).

Common error

Avoid using "mattress" as a verb when you mean to describe covering something thickly. Use alternatives like "pad", "cover", or "blanket" instead of saying something like "mattress the floor".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "mattress" is as a noun. It typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a padded, rectangular structure used for sleeping. Examples from Ludwig show it used in various contexts, confirming its role as a central element in discussions about beds and sleeping arrangements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "mattress" is a common noun referring to a padded structure used for sleeping. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in English. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business and Science contexts. When using "mattress", be specific about its qualities and avoid using it as a verb. Alternatives include "sleeping pad" or "bedding". Common errors involve misusing "mattress" as a verb. Authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist frequently employ the term, showcasing its versatility in describing everything from domestic settings to broader social issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sleeping pad

Focuses on the function of providing a surface for sleeping, more general.

bedding

Refers to the materials used to cover a bed, including the mattress but also sheets, blankets, etc.

futon

A type of mattress that can be folded and used as a sofa.

air mattress

Specifically highlights a mattress inflated with air, often for temporary use.

innerspring mattress

Refers to a specific type of mattress that contains springs.

foam mattress

Refers to a specific type of mattress made of foam.

box spring

The support structure typically placed under a mattress.

sleeping surface

A broader term that encompasses any surface used for sleeping.

cot

A small, often portable bed, typically with a thin mattress.

pallet

A makeshift bed, often consisting of a thin mattress or blankets on the floor.

FAQs

How can I use "mattress" in a sentence?

You can use "mattress" in a sentence like: "I need to buy a new "mattress" for my bed" or "She found money hidden under the "mattress"".

What are some different types of mattresses?

There are several types of mattresses, including "innerspring mattresses", "foam mattresses", "air mattresses", and "futons".

What is the difference between a "mattress" and a "bedding"?

A "mattress" is the padded foundation for sleeping, while "bedding" refers to the sheets, blankets, pillows, and other items that are placed on top of the "mattress".

What's the best way to clean a "mattress"?

To clean a "mattress", vacuum it regularly to remove dust and allergens. For stains, use a mild detergent and water, and blot the area gently. Consider using a "mattress" protector to prevent future stains.