cushion

1 of 2

noun

cush·​ion ˈku̇-shən 

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

a

: pillow sense 2

b

: rat sense 3

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

ˈku̇-shən-ləs 

adjective

cushiony

ˈku̇-shə-nē 

adjective

cushion

2 of 2

verb

cushioned; cushioning ˈku̇-sh(ə-)niŋ 

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

Synonyms

Noun

• buffer
• bumper
• cocoon
• cushioning
• fender
• pad

Verb

• buffer
• gentle
• soften

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 Saucony Guide 17 is a maximum cushion shoe that lives up to the hype. —Suzie Glassman, Health, 18 June 2024

That’s the cushion a contender needs in a sport shaped by arm injuries. —Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 14 June 2024

Verb

That amount will help cushion the end of pandemic aid from the American Rescue Plan, but will leave about $36.4 million in reserves — above the 5% unassigned fund balance threshold set by the school board. —Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 12 June 2024

The shoe’s clean silhouette is timeless—it’s been kicking around since 1971—and was built for long days of movement, with extra foam padding that protects the back heel and cushioned soles to prevent blisters. —Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2024

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

Phrases Containing cushion

• air-cushion vehicle
• booster cushion
• cottony-cushion scale
• cushion/soften the blow
• scatter cushion
• whoopee cushion

Kids Definition

cushion

1 of 2 noun

cush·​ion ˈku̇sh-ən 

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 

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 

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