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

Grounding practices like walking barefoot on grass, sitting with your back against a tree or lying down with a weighted eye pillow, are also go-to strategies for Dalla-Camina. —Anna Haines, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

Stock the Linen Cabinet and Bathroom Any weekend guests will likely need access to the essential bed and bath linens, along with a few extras (two sets of towels, extra pillows, and a spare blanket). —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2025

Nothing else should be in the crib with your baby including bumper pads, blankets, pillows, and soft toys. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 7 May 2025

The shaded exterior porches exude Southern charm with rocking chairs, colorful floral pillows in sitting areas, large blooming flower pots and lush grounds. —Amy Bentley, Oc Register, 7 May 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