pillow

1 of 2

noun

pil·​low ˈpi-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce pillow (audio)
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 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
Right now, the special section is teeming with affordable faux wreaths, doormats, twinkly lights, and outdoor rugs and pillows — many of which are discounted, too. Melissa Epifano, Peoplemag, 24 Mar. 2024 The boy found a 9mm handgun beneath a pillow and accidentally shot himself in the chest, the woman told police according to court records. The Arizona Republic, 21 Mar. 2024 Then, dress up your new bed with a comfortable body pillow that’s marked down to $18 or a Wellboo comforter, which is 53% off at Amazon. Katrina Cossey, Parents, 20 Mar. 2024 Some people tend to like more firm pillows, while others, like softer pillows -- in terms of the material that is also going to be somewhat of a subjective preference. Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2024 Next, two dainty pillows of tortelli, one filled with ricotta and one filled with pumpkin. Molly Young, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2024 Thuraya’s wife, Soraya, buried her head in his pillow and wept. Hazem Balousha, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024 The pillow features a removable insert that can be replaced with a few days’ worth of clothes. Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2024 The key: Spring for plush pillows as well as sheets made with top-shelf materials like organic, long-staple cotton. Kelsey Mulvey, Sunset Magazine, 15 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pillow.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pillow was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near pillow

Cite this Entry

“Pillow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pillow. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pillow

1 of 2 noun
pil·​low ˈpil-ō How to pronounce pillow (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on pillow

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!