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

To prep your space for the new season, consider adding some new home decor accents like pillows or a fuzzy throw blanket. —Ali Faccenda, Peoplemag, 7 Sep. 2024

Amenities All Polaris seats convert into lie-flat beds, and United’s blanket and pillow game is top-notch. —Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 6 Sep. 2024

About six months later, marathoner Damaris Mutua’s boyfriend allegedly strangled her and left a pillow over her face. —Faith Karimi, CNN, 6 Sep. 2024

Proving that this segment doesn’t have to be low-budget, the Pacifica Pinnacle includes an interior-view camera system, wireless content streaming capability, a theater setup with wireless headphones, and fancy-dancy quilted decorative pillows in the second row. —Kristin Shaw, Forbes, 2 Sep. 2024

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

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