First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1cushion
noun cush·ion \ˈku̇-shən\
: a soft object or part that is used to make something (such as a seat) more comfortable or to protect a surface from damage : a soft pillow, pad, etc.
: any one of the rubber parts that the ball bounces off along the inner edges of a billiard table
: something (such as an extra amount of money) that you can use to reduce the bad effect of something (such as an unexpected problem or expense)
Full Definition of CUSHION
1
: a soft pillow or pad usually used for sitting, reclining, or kneeling
2
: a bodily part resembling a pad
3
4
a : something (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>
— cush·ion·less \-ləs\ adjective
— cush·iony \-shə-nē\ adjective
See cushion defined for English-language learners
See cushion defined for kids
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Origin of CUSHION
Middle English cusshin, from Anglo-French cussin, quissin, from Vulgar Latin *coxinus, from Latin coxa hip — more at coxa
2cushion
verb
: to make (something, such as a fall or collision) less severe or painful : to soften or reduce the bad effect of (something)
cush·ionedcush·ion·ing \ˈku̇-sh(ə-)niŋ\
Full Definition of CUSHION
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
See cushion defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CUSHION
circa 1738
CUSHION[1] Defined for Kids
1cushion
noun cush·ion \ˈku̇-shən\
Definition of CUSHION for Kids
1
: a soft pillow or pad to rest on or against
2
: something soft like a pad <Moss formed a cushion on the ground.>
3
: something that serves to soften or lessen the effects of something bad or unpleasant
2cushion
verb
cush·ionedcush·ion·ing
Definition of CUSHION for Kids
1
: to place on or as if on a soft pillow or pad
2
: to furnish with a soft pillow or pad
3
: to soften or lessen the force or shock of <The soft sand cushioned her fall.>
Medical Dictionary
cushion
noun cush·ion \ˈku̇sh-ən\
Medical Definition of CUSHION
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
Learn More About CUSHION
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