A cushion is a soft pad or pillow designed to make sitting or resting more comfortable. You'll find cushions on couches, chairs, and benches, providing padding between you and the hard surface beneath. Some cushions are thin and firm, while others are thick and plush, depending on their purpose.

The word can also mean something that protects against impact or hardship. A financial cushion is money saved up to handle unexpected expenses, like when your family needs to repair the car or replace a broken appliance. In sports, a team might play better when they have a comfortable lead that gives them a cushion against mistakes. A layer of bubble wrap cushions fragile items in a package.

As a verb, to cushion means to soften the effect of something. When you cushion a fall by landing on something soft, the impact hurts less. A parent might try to cushion bad news by explaining it gently. Good snow boots cushion your steps when you're walking on hard, frozen ground.

The key idea is protection or comfort: whether it's a literal cushion under you or a figurative one that makes life's bumps less jarring, a cushion helps absorb shocks and make things easier to handle.