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

Sofa cushions, pillows, and throws would be fluffed and tidied and nearly all surfaces would receive a quick dusting. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025

Bedding essentials like cooling mattresses, breathable sheets, and gel pillows are all necessities anytime of year to ensure a sweat-free sleep. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2025

The comfy piece comes in five colors — dark gray, beige, green, brown, and taupe — and all three include a matching lumbar pillow. —Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025

With a combination down and feather fill, this pillow is supportive but not firm, still allowing a sink-down feeling without flattening completely. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 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