cushioning

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
That lofty cushioning also protects your feet from hard surfaces, which is key in preventing shin splints from developing or getting worse. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 5 June 2025 The pair’s midsole, visible Gel cushioning and shoelaces come in an aged off-white look, and the sneaker also comes with alternate white laces for those who want to switch things up. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 3 June 2025 The Gel-Nimbus 26 delivers soft cushioning and stability without extra weight. Jennifer Vermeer, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2025 The footbed offers noticeable arch and heel support, while the cushioning is firm enough to stay stable without feeling stiff. Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cushioning

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

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Cite this Entry

“Cushioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cushioning. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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