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Definition of cushion

cushion

/ˈkʊʃ.ən/
cush · ion

Plural:cushions
•
Adjective:cushiony
•
Past Simple:cushioned
•
Past Participle:cushioned
•
Present Participle:cushioning
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cushion Lexical Profile

cushion Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A soft bag of cloth stuffed with a mass of soft material, used as a comfortable support for sitting or leaning on.

Example

"She plumped the cushion and placed it carefully on the armchair."


2

Something that provides support or protection against physical impact, shock, or negative financial effects.

Example

"The savings account served as a financial cushion during the months he was unemployed."


3

The elastic border of a billiard or pool table from which the balls rebound.

Example

"He hit the cue ball so hard that it bounced off three cushions before sinking the eight ball."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To soften or mitigate the effect of an impact, shock, or negative event.

Example

"The thick layer of snow cushioned his fall from the tree."


2

To provide or furnish with a soft support or protective padding.

Example

"The designer cushioned the window seat with velvet fabric for added luxury."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for cushion

• Rhymes for cushion

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'cussin', derived from Old French 'coissin', which ultimately traces back to Vulgar Latin '*coxinus', based on Latin 'coxa' meaning 'hip' or 'thigh'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cushion. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cushion
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