1. A pad or pillow with a soft filling, used for resting, reclining, or kneeling.

2. Something resilient used as a rest, support, or shock absorber.

3. A mat placed or attached beneath carpeting to provide softness and increase durability.

4. A padlike body part.

5. Games The rim bordering the playing surface of a billiard table.

6. A pillow used in lacemaking.

7. Something that mitigates or relieves an adverse effect: extra funds serving as a cushion against future inflation.

1. To provide with a cushion: cushion a bench.

2. To place or seat on a cushion.

3. To cover or hide (something) with or as if with a cushion.

4. To protect from impacts or other disturbing effects: an automobile suspension that cushions the ride.

5. To mitigate the effects of; absorb the shock of: cushion a blow.