pillbox

noun

pill·​box ˈpil-ˌbäks How to pronounce pillbox (audio)
1
: a box for pills
especially : a shallow round box of pasteboard
2
: a small low concrete emplacement for machine guns and antitank weapons
3
: a small round hat without a brim
specifically : a woman's shallow hat with a flat crown and straight sides

Examples of pillbox in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Hanlons — including wife Charlotte (Taylour Paige), a civil rights activist in a Jackie Kennedy pillbox hat, and son Will (Blake Cameron James) — are Black (as are Ronnie and her father, seemingly accounting for 100% of Derry’s in-town African American population). Robert Lloyd, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025 Now, spots of all kinds leave their mark, from smaller accessories like wool pillbox hats, to more statement pieces like knee-high boots. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025 The pillbox and sculpted brim styles — especially as seen at Dior — bring such a sense of presence and poise to any ensemble. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025 The chili was oversalted and oddly smooth, with a slab of nonmelting cheese sitting on top of it like a pillbox hat. Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pillbox

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pillbox was in 1702

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Cite this Entry

“Pillbox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pillbox. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

pillbox

noun
pill·​box ˈpil-ˌbäks How to pronounce pillbox (audio)
1
: a small usually shallow box for pills
2
: a small low fortification for machine guns and antitank weapons
3
: a small round hat without a brim

More from Merriam-Webster on pillbox

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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