1
a
: a usually medicinal or dietary preparation in a small rounded mass to be swallowed whole
b
or Pill
: 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
pilled; pilling; pills
: to become rough with or mat into little balls
brushed woolens often pill
Examples of pill in a Sentence
Noun
She took a pill for her headache.
The drug is available as a pill or a liquid.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jane Keltner De Valle, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2025
Romanowski warns that light textures such as this generally come at the cost of longer-term barrier support and moisturization, but that’s fine by me considering this formula doesn’t pill when layered underneath other creams or petroleum jelly.
—Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 7 May 2025
Mark Michalek, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
She was arrested on May 4, 2023, when authorities searched her residence and vehicle, reportedly finding about 390 grams of crystal meth and unspecified quantities of crack cocaine, LSD and prescription pills, according to officials.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pill
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
These are less likely to pill or tear because of the strength of their weave.
—Jane Keltner De Valle, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2025
Romanowski warns that light textures such as this generally come at the cost of longer-term barrier support and moisturization, but that’s fine by me considering this formula doesn’t pill when layered underneath other creams or petroleum jelly.
—Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 7 May 2025
Noun
In 2024, the DEA seized more than 60 million counterfeit pills and nearly 8,000 pounds of fentanyl powder nationwide — enough to deliver more than 380 million lethal doses.
—Mark Michalek, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
She was arrested on May 4, 2023, when authorities searched her residence and vehicle, reportedly finding about 390 grams of crystal meth and unspecified quantities of crack cocaine, LSD and prescription pills, according to officials.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pill
Cite this Entry
“Pill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pill. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pill
1 of 2 noun1
a
: medicine or a food supplement in a small rounded mass to be swallowed whole
b
often capitalized
: an oral contraceptive
—usually used with the
2
: something resembling a pill in shape or size
3
: something unpleasant that must be accepted or endured
4
: an unpleasant or tiresome person
pill
2 of 2 verb
of a garment
: to develop small balls of fiber on the surface because of wear
Medical Definition
pill
noun1
: 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
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