Bed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bed

[bed ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sleeping furniture

A piece of furniture for sleep or rest, typically a framework with a mattress and coverings.

Synonyms

bunk, cot, couch, mattress.

Examples of usage

  • I need to buy a new bed for my bedroom.
  • She jumped on the bed with excitement.
Context #2 | Noun

bottom of a body of water

The bottom of a body of water, such as a river, lake, or sea.

Synonyms

bottom, floor, seabed, subsoil.

Examples of usage

  • The sunken ship lies at the bed of the ocean.
  • We discovered many interesting creatures living on the river bed.
Context #3 | Verb

provide with a place to sleep

To provide with a place to sleep or rest.

Synonyms

accommodate, billet, lodge, shelter.

Examples of usage

  • We will bed our guests in the spare room.
  • The hotel can bed up to 100 people.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'bed' comes from Old English 'bedd', which referred to a sleeping place.
  • In ancient times, beds were often made of simple materials like straw or animal skins, evolving into the comfortable designs we have today.
  • In the Middle Ages, beds became status symbols, decorated with rich fabrics and used in public for entertaining guests.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, beds are seen as a private space, often reserved for family or close friends.
  • The concept of a 'bedding ceremony' exists in multiple cultures, marking the beginning of a couple's new life together.
  • Many stories and traditions revolve around beds, symbolizing safety and rest, like the nursery rhyme 'Rock-a-bye Baby.'

Science

  • Studies have shown that a comfortable bed can significantly improve sleep quality, impacting overall health.
  • Different sleep positions, often based on bed structure, can affect spine alignment and contribute to sleep-related ailments.
  • The average person spends about one-third of their life sleeping, which highlights the importance of a good bed for well-being.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often use beds to signify intimacy or personal struggles, showing how they can be a backdrop for important moments.
  • Sleep themes are prevalent in literature, symbolizing escape, dreams, or the darker aspects of human nature.
  • The iconic phrase 'Bedtime Stories' not only communicates the ritual of reading before sleep but also hints at the imagination that unfolds at night.

Psychology

  • The state of a person's bed can reflect their mental health; a tidy bed may indicate orderliness while a messy one may suggest anxiety or stress.
  • Dreams that occur while sleeping in bed can provide insights into a person's subconscious and emotional states, according to psychology.
  • The act of making your bed in the morning can result in a feeling of accomplishment, positively affecting your mood throughout the day.

Origin of 'bed'

The word 'bed' has Old English origins, dating back to the 9th century. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'badjam', which also gave rise to words in other Germanic languages. Beds have been used for centuries by humans as a place of rest and sleep, evolving in design and materials over time to meet different cultural and comfort needs.


See also: bedclothes, bedding, bedridden, bedrock, bedroom, bedspread, bedtime.

Word Frequency Rank

At #951 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.