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

Other delightful details include down pillows and duvets, thick terry bathrooms, and a light-up bathroom mirror for getting up close and personal with every pore. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

The collection includes decorative pillows, too, in blush and olive velvet, plus the signature stripe in pink and dark brown. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 2 June 2026

For example, a cool-toned gray couch paired with blue and green pillows would be an analogous color scheme. —Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 31 May 2026

The best gel moisturizers are the skin-care equivalent of flipping your pillow over to the cold side. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 May 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