a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses
"the old car needed a new set of shocks"
the layer of air that supports a hovercraft or similar vehicle
"The pilot adjusted the engine to maintain the cushion of air keeping the hovercraft floating above the marshland."
a soft bag filled with air or a mass of padding such as feathers or foam rubber etc.
"She placed a cushion on the floor before sitting down to read her book."
A soft mass of material stuffed into a cloth bag, used for comfort or support; for sitting on, kneeling on, resting one's head on etc.
"She placed the feather cushion behind her back to rest while reading by the window."
In plain English: A cushion is a soft pad you put on furniture to make it comfortable for sitting or lying down.
"She placed a soft cushion on the chair to make sitting more comfortable."
Usage: Use the noun "cushion" to refer specifically to padded objects placed in chairs or under knees for physical comfort. When using it as a verb, remember that you cushion an impact by softening its force rather than merely sitting on something.
To furnish with cushions.
"The movers carefully cushioned the antique sofa before transporting it to the new house."
The word "cushion" comes from Old French and originally referred to a seat pad. It is derived from the Latin word for "hip," likely because early cushions were placed under the hips.