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

Neck pillow stand-in: Stuff it with a hoodie or scarf and use it as a softer, more hygienic pillow on long flights or road trips. —Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 20 May 2025

Parachute: Save up to 75 percent on comfy bedding, pillows, and more. —Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 19 May 2025

Another is the 3-in-1 wool pillow, adjustable for height and support with a moisture-wicking Merino wool surface. —Darryn King, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025

These are bulbous pillows of lava that form enormous mounds that can overwhelm everything around them. —Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 17 May 2025

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