cushioning

1 of 2

noun

cush·​ion·​ing ˈku̇-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce cushioning (audio)
: protection against force or shock provided by a cushion
Wearers will be able to pump air into the shoe's sole for extra cushioning.Joseph Pereira
Ligaments keep the vertebrae in place during movement, and fibrous disks with jellylike centers provide cushioning between them.Jane E. Brody
As part of NASA's "better, faster, cheaper" philosophy, the most recent missions to Mars largely relied on airbag cushioning for a soft landing.Beth Daley
Engineered flooring goes down over a thin foam sheet, which provides cushioning and sound-dampening.Joseph Truini

cushioning

2 of 2

adjective

: providing protection against force or shock : providing or serving as a cushion
Investigators are testing new kinds of cushioning material.Think
The ads will promote two key cushioning technologies …Jeff Jensen
Normal wear and tear also erodes the cushioning cartilage in our knees and hips, which decreases height a bit.Bob Guldin
But when they become wet from perspiration, cotton or wool socks hold the moisture against your skin and lose their cushioning ability …University Of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter
The mission also demonstrated a low-cost means of landing on Mars using cushioning airbags …Astronomy

Examples of cushioning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Hoka Women’s Gaviota 4 Wide Sneakers Designed for wide feet, these sneakers are crafted with impressive cushioning not only on the soles, but also on the tongues and linings for all-around foot comfort. Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2024 This iteration sports lighter cushioning than the GTS 22, but that doesn’t mean the shoe isn’t comfortable, there’s just less material to hold you back during your sprints. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 20 Apr. 2024 Breathable fabrics, sturdy frames, and supportive cushioning are all essential features to consider. Bethany Braun-Silva, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2024 The shoes are meticulously crafted to provide all-day comfortable wearing, which is made possible with their impact-absorbing midsoles and multiple layers of cushioning, complimented by ample ankle support. Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2024 The footbed also has enough cushioning to provide support (ideal for flat feet). Olivia Avitt, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024 The flared soles increase your dependency on the cushioning to absorb shock. Laura Lancaster, Outdoor Life, 11 Apr. 2024 And there’s room for three, with ample seating and slip-resistant flooring and cushioning. Sean Evans, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024 The light cushioning on the bottom of the foot and the front of the calf is helpful for kids who may not be used to the feel of rigid ski boots. Maya Polton, Parents, 28 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cushioning.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cushioning was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near cushioning

Cite this Entry

“Cushioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cushioning. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

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