padded

Padded is an adjective formed from pad, denoting something that has been filled with a soft or cushioned material, or something that includes extra material to provide protection, insulation, or shape. Padding materials are typically lightweight and resilient, such as foam, cotton batting, polyester fiberfill, felt, or molded foam, and can be integrated into the item’s structure or attached as removable inserts.

In textiles and clothing, padding provides contour, warmth, or protection. Shoulder pads in garments, quilted jackets, and padded bras use various fillings to maintain shape and distribute impact or pressure.

In sports and protective gear, padded components help absorb impact and reduce injury. Examples include padding in helmets, shin guards, gloves, torso guards, and protective vests.

In furniture and upholstery, padding is used to add comfort and form. Cushions, armrests, and upholstered panels rely on padding of foam or fibers to maintain softness and resilience over time. In packaging, padding protects fragile items during transport via foam inserts, bubble wrap, air pillows, and molded packaging materials.

In computing and digital contexts, padding means adding extra bytes to reach a specified length or alignment. This can be done to align data structures in memory, satisfy cryptographic block size requirements, or simplify processing.

Padded cells and padded rooms refer to confinement spaces lined with soft materials to prevent injury or self-harm. The term appears in hospital and correctional literature and is used to describe protective enclosures.