What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mattress
Example
I need to buy a new mattress for my bed. [mattress: noun]
Example
We slept on a mattress on the floor during our camping trip. [mattress: noun]
cot
Example
The hotel provided a cot for our baby to sleep in. [cot: noun]
Example
He slept on a cot during his time in the army. [cot: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mattress is more commonly used than cot in everyday language. Mattress is an essential item for a bed, while cot is less common and often used for specific purposes such as camping or temporary sleeping arrangements.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mattress and cot?
Both mattress and cot are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
