a soft pad covered with cloth and filled with feathers, foam, or another material that you sit on or lean against to feel more comfortable
Ella placed a colorful cushion on the sofa before sitting down.
During the picnic, Jamal used a thick cushion to make the wooden bench more comfortable.
✦ Middle English, from Old French coussin, from Vulgar Latin *coxinus, from Latin coxa “hip, thigh”, originally referring to a support for the hips.
a layer of something soft or air that reduces shock or keeps things apart
The sneakers have a special cushion of gel under the heel to absorb impact.
A thick cushion of snow protected the plants from the sudden frost.
to soften or reduce the force, effect, or pain of something unpleasant or violent
The thick mat cushioned the gymnast’s fall.
Extra funding will cushion the community from rising food prices.
a supply of money or other resource kept to protect you from financial or other difficulty
Having three months’ salary saved gave her a cushion when she lost her job.
The company keeps a large cash cushion to survive unexpected downturns.
