coussin
/ku.sɛ̃/
The English word cushion is coussin in French.
A coussin is an absorbent or protective item.
Meaning: absorbent or protective item (noun)
Which one should you use?
While coussin refers to a soft decorative or functional cushion, oreiller is the specific word used for a sleeping pillow. The French word for mattress is matelas. The French word for bolster is traversin.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun is coussins.
How do you pronounce it?
/ku.sɛ̃/
Did you know?
- The word coussin is an unexpected relative of the English word 'coxa', which refers to the hip bone.
- The term coussin de ventilation is used to describe the air layer that allows a hovercraft to glide over land and water.
- In a metaphorical sense, a coussin can refer to a financial safety net or a 'cushion' of resources to absorb unexpected losses.
Examples in context
- Elle étreignait un coussin.She hugged a cushion.This sentence shows how someone might hold a coussin.Tatoeba #12194483 by sacredceltic, translation #11720769 by Nuel
- Le petit chien avait son propre coussin.The little dog had his own cushion.This sentence illustrates a coussin belonging to a dog.Tatoeba #8854408 by lbdx, translation #6120318 by carlosalberto
- Aucun farceur ne devrait se passer de coussin péteur.No practical joker should be without a whoopee cushion.This sentence mentions a whoopee cushion using the word coussin.Tatoeba #814783 by sacredceltic, translation #631947 by darinmex
- Pouvez-vous m'apporter un coussin, s'il vous plaît?Can you bring me a cushion, please?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are decorating their new living room.
- LucasEst-ce que tu aimes ce coussin bleu ?Do you like this blue cushion?
- ChloéOui, il est très confortable.Yes, it is very comfortable.
- LucasOn en achète un autre pour le canapé ?Should we buy another one for the sofa?
- ChloéBonne idée, Lucas.Good idea, Lucas.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry coussin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries coussin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
