Cushion Meaning and Definition
Cushion
Pronunciation
/ˈkuʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A soft, thick layer of air or gas that supports the body when sitting or lying down, often filled with materials such as foam, feathers, or fabric.
Examples
- The couch cushion provides support for your back when sitting.
- The down-filled cushion is soft and comfortable.
Synonyms
- Padding
- Support
Antonyms
- emptiness
- hollowness
Etymology
The word “cushion” comes from the Old French “cuisson”, meaning “cushion” or “pillow”, which is derived from the Latin “cuscis”, meaning “cushion” or “padding”.
Usage Notes
Cushion typically refers to a soft, thick layer of air or gas that provides support for the body. It can also refer to a decorative pillow or bolster.
Cultural References
The concept of a cushion can be seen in various forms of art and literature, such as in the depiction of luxurious furniture and upholstery in 18th century European art.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Cushion is often used in idiomatic expressions such as “cushioning the blow” (to reduce the impact of a difficult situation) or “cushion the fall” (to soften the impact of a fall).
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases closely related to cushion include “padding”, “support”, “comfort”, and “protection”.
Collocations
Common collocations with the word cushion include “couch cushion”, “car cushion”, and “pillow cushion”.
Frequency of Use
Cushion is a relatively common word in modern language, particularly in relation to furniture and comfort.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of cushion include “cushin”, “cushens”, and “cushian”.