English Reference
noun

bedding

n.
US /ˈbɛdɪŋ/ UK /bˈɛdɪŋ/ bed·ding UK spelling beddings

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    the sheets, blankets, and pillowcases that you put on a bed.

    the collective textiles used on a bed for comfort and warmth, such as sheets, blankets, and duvets.

    Simple

    We need to change the bedding and wash the sheets this morning.

    In context

    The hotel prides itself on using high-thread-count cotton bedding to ensure maximum comfort for its guests.

    bedclotheslinens
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    straw, wood chips, or other materials that animals sleep on.

    material, such as straw or sawdust, provided for animals to sleep on or to absorb waste.

    Simple

    The farmer put fresh bedding in the horse's stall.

    In context

    Using absorbent wood shavings as bedding helps maintain a hygienic environment in the poultry sheds.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Cooking

    planting flowers in a garden to create a bright display for one season.

    the practice of planting fast-growing plants in flower beds for temporary seasonal displays.

    Simple

    The park looks beautiful with its new summer bedding plants.

    In context

    The horticultural team prepared the formal gardens for winter bedding, selecting frost-resistant pansies and cyclamens.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    the way layers of rock are arranged on top of each other.

    the arrangement of sedimentary rocks in distinct layers or strata.

    Simple

    The cliff face showed clear bedding planes where the rock had formed.

    In context

    Geologists analyzed the bedding of the sandstone to determine the environmental conditions during its deposition.


Etymology 1

From Middle English bedding, beddyng, from Old English bedding (“bedding”), equivalent to bed + -ing.

Etymology 2

From bed + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old English bedding
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated