Definition

1. Noun:
   • Materials used to make a bed comfortable for sleeping: This refers to the collective items such as sheets, blankets, pillows, and mattress covers that are placed on a bed.
   • A layer of material used as a base or lining: This can refer to a layer of straw, wood shavings, or other material spread on the ground to provide a comfortable or clean resting place for animals.
   • (Geology) The arrangement of sedimentary rocks in distinct layers or strata: This is a specialized scientific meaning referring to the layered structure of sedimentary rock formations.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Domestic Use):
  • She bought new bedding for the guest room.
  • The hotel prides itself on providing luxurious, high-thread-count bedding.
• Noun (Animal Use):
  • The farmer changed the bedding in the horse's stall.
  • Clean, dry bedding is essential for the health of small pets like rabbits.
• Noun (Geological Use):
  • The geologist studied the cross-bedding in the sandstone cliff face.

Advanced Usage

• "Bedding in" (as a concept): The process of something settling into a stable position or becoming established.
  • After a few washes, the new sheets finished bedding in and became much softer.
• "Bedding plane" (Geology term): The surface that separates one layer of sedimentary rock from another.
  • The fossils were found along a distinct bedding plane.

Variants and Related Words

• Bedclothes (n): Another term for the sheets, blankets, and other coverings used on a bed.
• Linen (n): Often used to refer to high-quality bedding items like sheets and pillowcases, traditionally made from flax linen.
• Bedroll (n): A portable roll of bedding used for sleeping outdoors.

Synonyms

• Bedclothes: Coverings for a bed.
• Litter: Material used as bedding for animals.
• Stratification: The process of forming or arranging in layers (geological synonym).

Related Phrases

• Bedding down:
  • To prepare a bed for sleep: After a long day hiking, they bedded down in their sleeping bags.
  • To provide animals with fresh bedding: The stable hand is bedding down the horses for the night.
• Bedding material: A general term for any substance used as bedding, either for humans or animals.
  • Straw is a common bedding material for livestock.

Related Idioms

• To be caught between the sheets: This idiom, while not containing the word "bedding," relates to the domain of beds and can imply being found in bed, often in a compromising situation. It uses "sheets," a key component of bedding.
  • The scandal broke when the mayor was caught between the sheets with his aide.

Noun

1. material used to provide a bed for animals
2. coverings that are used on a bed