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

At just under 12 by 16 inches, it's perfectly sized to sit in front of your everyday pillows. — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026

Flu viruses can survive on hard surfaces for as long as two days and on soft materials such as pillows for about 12 hours, according to Susan Werner, MD, a family medicine provider at Geisinger Nanticoke. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 Nov. 2026

This duvet also comes with two shams featuring an envelope closure to keep pillows secure. — Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2026

The hotel also offers complimentary nontoxic baby soap kits, baby blankets and pillows, and noise machines. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 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