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1

pill

verb \ ˈpil \

Definition of pill

intransitive verb
dialectal, chiefly England :to come off in flakes or scales :peel
transitive verb
1 archaic :to subject to depredation or extortion
2 dialect :to peel or strip off

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Origin and Etymology of pill

Middle English pilen, pillen, partly from Old English pilian to peel, partly from Anglo-French piler to rob

2

pill

noun

Definition of pill

1 a :a usually medicinal or dietary preparation in a small rounded mass to be swallowed whole
b often capitalized :birth control pill —usually used with the
2 :something repugnant or unpleasant that must be accepted or endured
3 :something resembling a pill in size or shape
4 :a disagreeable or tiresome person

See pill defined for English-language learners

See pill defined for kids

Examples of pill in a Sentence

  1. She took a pill for her headache.

  2. The drug is available as a pill or a liquid.

Origin and Etymology of pill

Middle English pylle, from Anglo-French pile & Middle Dutch pille, both ultimately from Latin pilula, from diminutive of pila ball

pill Synonyms

Synonyms
cap, capsule, lozenge, tablet
Related Words
cure, drug, medication, medicinal, pharmaceutical, physic, remedy, specific; miracle drug, wonder drug; potion, preparation; dosage, dose; drop, gelcap; bolus, pilule
Near Antonyms
hero, heroine, idol, role model; gentleman, lady; angel, saint
3

pill

verb

Definition of pill

transitive verb
1 :to dose with pills
2 :blackball
intransitive verb
:to become rough with or mat into little balls
  • brushed woolens often pill

First Known Use of pill

1736

Phrases Related to PILL

Related Phrases

PILL Defined for English Language Learners

pill

noun

Definition of pill for English Language Learners

  • : a small, rounded object that you swallow and that contains medicine, vitamins, etc.

  • the pill : a pill that a woman takes so that she will not become pregnant : a contraceptive in pill form

  • : an annoying person

PILL Defined for Kids

pill

noun \ ˈpil \

Definition of pill for Students

:medicine or a food supplement in the form of a small rounded mass to be swallowed whole

Medical Dictionary

pill

noun \ ˈpil \

medical Definition of pill

1 :a usually medicinal or dietary preparation in a small rounded mass to be swallowed whole
2 often capitalized :birth control pill —usually used with the
  • has been on the pill for three years

Learn More about pill

  1. See words that rhyme with pill Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pill Spanish Central: Translation of pill Nglish: Translation of pill for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of pill for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pill

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Examples: pill in a Sentence