pillow

1 of 2

noun

pil·​low ˈpi-(ˌ)lō 

1

a

: a support for the head of a reclining person

especially : one consisting of a cloth bag filled with feathers, down, sponge rubber, or plastic fiber

b

: something resembling a pillow especially in form

2

: a cushion or pad tightly stuffed and used as a support for the design and tools in making lace with a bobbin

pillowy

ˈpi-lə-wē 

adjective

pillow

2 of 2

verb

pillowed; pillowing; pillows

transitive verb

1

: to rest or lay on or as if on a pillow

2

: to serve as a pillow for

intransitive verb

: to lay or rest one's head on or as if on a pillow

Examples of pillow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

After the cabin lights dim, sleep comes in fragments, and a travel pillow does little to ease a stiff neck. — ABC News, 6 July 2026

Do not just use pillows to prop your head up, as doing so can increase pressure on the stomach and make symptoms worse. — Verywell Health, 1 July 2026

The set comes with two pillow shams, which, in addition to the quilt, feature a coin pattern that adds texture to your bed. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Sofa cushions, pillows, and throws would be fluffed and tidied and nearly all surfaces would receive a quick dusting. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English pilwe, from Old English pyle (akin to Old High German pfuliwi), from Latin pulvinus

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1629, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing pillow

• pillow block
• pillow fight
• pillow lace
• pillow slip
• pillow talk
• throw pillow

Rhymes for pillow

• billow
• armadillo
• caudillo

Kids Definition

pillow

1 of 2 noun

pil·​low ˈpil-ō 

: a bag filled with soft or springy material used as a cushion usually for the head of a person lying down

pillow

2 of 2 verb

1

: to place on or as if on a pillow

2

: to serve as a pillow for