Cushion is a word with a few related but distinct meanings. It can refer to a soft object for sitting or resting on, and it can also mean something that absorbstakes in and reduces the effect of energy, shock, or pressure force or protectskeeps someone or something safe from harm or damage against a hard impacta strong hit or collision with another object.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈkʊʃən/
Easy pronunciation: KUSH-ən (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable: KUSH-ən.
Noun meaning a soft padded object used for sitting, leaning, or support.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Cushion Meaning
a soft padded object
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a soft bag filled with air or padding, used for sitting, leaning, or supporting something
Example: She leaned back against the cushion.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- pillow — Close in everyday use, but a pillow is usually for resting the head, not generally for sitting support.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Cushion
Meaning 2
to protect something from a hard hit or shock
Part of speech: verb
Definition: protect from impact
Example: The extra padding cushioned the fall.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- buffer — Works well in the sense of protecting or absorbing impact.
- soften — Can work in some contexts, but it is broader and less specific than cushion.
Meaning 3
a part that reduces shock or vibration
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses
Example: The suspension includes a cushion to absorb sudden bumps.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- shock absorber — A direct substitute in this mechanical sense.
- shock — Related to absorbing impact, but less precise and less common as a standalone synonym.
Meaning 4
a layer of air that lifts and supports a hovercraft
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the layer of air that supports a hovercraft or similar vehicle
Example: The hovercraft glided on a cushion of air.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Cushion Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- pillow
protect from impact
- buffer
- soften
a mechanical damper that absorbs sudden force
- shock absorber
- shock
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Not every use of cushion means a soft pillow-like object. It can also be a verb meaning to protect from impact, or a technical noun for something that absorbs shock.
- People sometimes confuse cushion with pillow, but pillow is usually for sleeping, while cushion is broader.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does cushion mean in English?
Cushion usually means a soft padded object, or it can mean something that protects against impact. It is also used in technical senses, such as a shock-absorbing part or a layer of air under a hovercraft.
What are the synonyms of cushion?
For the main noun sense, a near synonym is pillow. For the verb sense, buffer and soften can work. In the mechanical sense, shock absorber is the best match.
Is cushion a noun or a verb?
It can be both. As a noun, it often means a soft padded object. As a verb, it means to protect or absorb a blow or shock.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.