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

These are bulbous pillows of lava that form enormous mounds that can overwhelm everything around them. —Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025

But keep an eye out, these pillows are hot commodities and come in and out of stock quickly. —Haley Velasco, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025

Use a firm, flat, and level sleep surface (a crib mattress), and keep the space clear of bumper pads, toys, pillows, positioners, and wedges. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 30 Jan. 2025

Pixie Mood Travel Pillow This travel pillow is lightweight, supportive, and doesn't take up a large amount of packing space. —Gabriella Maestri, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 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

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