'mattress' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'maṭraḥ,' where 'ṭaraḥa' meant 'to throw down.'

'maṭraḥ' transformed into the Old French word 'materas,' and eventually became the modern English word 'mattress' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a place where something is thrown down,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a pad for sleeping.'