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

Joss & Main Pillow Covers, Set of 2 Bulky bolsters and pillows with bold patterns are things of the past, according to my mom. —Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026

Materials like latex, wool or down tend to breathe better and hold up longer, but even the best pillow has a life span. —Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 14 Jan. 2026

Both the pillow shams and bedding are made with a comfy cotton blend. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2026

Napfun Neck Pillow Built with memory foam and an ergonomic shape, this Napfun neck pillow provides crucial head and neck support on long flights. —Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026

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