# cushion

/ˈkʊʃən/ (US) · /kˈʊʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cushion
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. soft pillow

noun · CEFR A2

a soft bag filled with feathers or foam that you use to make a chair more comfortable.

For teachers: a fabric envelope stuffed with soft, resilient material, used for sitting, kneeling, or leaning upon.

- He put a couple of extra cushions on the sofa to make it more comfortable.
- The interior designer selected velvet cushions in deep jewel tones to complement the minimalist aesthetic of the living room.

### 2. protection from impact

noun · CEFR B1

something that protects you from a hard hit or a sudden shock.

For teachers: a layer of material or air designed to absorb the force of a physical impact.

- The thick grass acted as a cushion when the child fell off the swing.
- Modern running shoes incorporate a gel cushion in the heel to reduce the repetitive stress on the runner's joints.

### 3. extra time or money

noun · CEFR B2

an extra amount of something, like money or points, that keeps you safe if something goes wrong.

For teachers: a reserve of a resource, such as capital or time, that provides protection against unforeseen difficulties or losses.

- We have a small financial cushion in the bank for emergencies.
- The team maintained a three-goal cushion heading into the final ten minutes, allowing them to play more defensively.

### 4. to soften an impact

verb · CEFR B2

to make a hit or a bad situation feel less painful or difficult.

For teachers: to mitigate the effects of a physical impact or a negative event.

- The new tax laws were designed to cushion the blow for small businesses.
- The specialized packaging was engineered to cushion the delicate electronic components during international transit.

### 5. to provide with pads

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to put soft pads on something to make it comfortable.

For teachers: to furnish or equip an object with cushions or soft padding.

- The royal box was cushioned with red silk to welcome the guests.
- The artisan carefully cushioned the wooden bench with hand-stitched leather to ensure maximum comfort for the patrons.

## Examples

- I put a soft cushion on the wooden chair.
- The thick velvet cushions on the sofa made the living room feel much more inviting for guests.
- Having a substantial amount of savings in a high-interest account provides a financial cushion that protects the family against sudden job loss or unexpected medical expenses.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.