cushion

cushions; cushioned; cushioning

Fabric filled with foam, feathers, or other padding material makes a cushion, which can be used to make something like a chair or sofa more comfortable.

The noun cushion can also refer to anything that is used to soften an impact or absorb shocks. In modern cars, for example, sometimes in a crash or accident, air bags will deploy and act as cushions for the passengers to prevent them from injuring themselves on hard surfaces like the dashboard or steering wheel. A cushion isn't necessarily a physical one, however, as you may want to keep an emergency fund as a cushion in case of unexpected expenses. As a verb, cushion means to protect from the impact of negative information so if you have bad news, you'll want to cushion the blow as much as possible.

Definitions of cushion
  1. verb
    protect from impact
    “cushion the blow”
    synonyms: buffer, soften
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    type of:
    modify
    make less severe or harsh or extreme
  2. noun
    a soft bag filled with air or a mass of padding such as feathers or foam rubber etc.
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    types:
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    air cushion, inflatable cushion
    a cushion usually made of rubber or plastic that can be inflated
    gaddi
    a cushion on a throne for a prince in India
    hassock
    a cushion for kneeling on (as when praying in church)
    head restraint, headrest
    a cushion attached to the top of the back of an automobile's seat to prevent whiplash
    pillow
    a cushion to support the head of a sleeping person
    pincushion
    a small stiff cushion into which pins are stuck ready for use
    seat cushion
    a cushion that makes a seat more comfortable
    throw pillow
    a small cushion that is used for decorative purposes
    bed pillow
    a soft pillow for use on a bed
    bolster, long pillow
    a pillow that is often put across a bed underneath the regular pillows
    type of:
    cushioning, padding
    artifact consisting of soft or resilient material used to fill or give shape or protect or add comfort
  3. noun
    the layer of air that supports a hovercraft or similar vehicle
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    type of:
    bed, layer
    single thickness of usually some homogeneous substance
  4. noun
    a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses
    synonyms: shock, shock absorber
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    types:
    air cushion, air spring
    a mechanical device using confined air to absorb the shock of motion
    type of:
    damper, muffler
    a device that decreases the amplitude of electronic, mechanical, acoustical, or aerodynamic oscillations
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘cushion'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing cushion

"Modern Automotive Technology," Vocabulary from Section 10

This list focuses on drive trains and axles (Chapters 53-64). Here are links to all the sections of the textbook published by The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.: Section 1, Section 2, Section 3, Section 4, Section 5, Section 6, Section 7, Section 8, Section 9, Section 10, Section 11, Section 12, Section 13

"Icarus's Flight," Vocabulary from the poem

As you read Stephen Dobyns's poem about "Icarus's Flight," learn this word list. Here are links to lists for texts in Grade 7's Collection 1: Rogue Wave, articles about rescued teenage sailor, The Flight of Icarus, Icarus's Flight, Women in Aviation

Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"

Vocabulary from Cormac McCarthy's "The Road."

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