1
a
: a usually medicinal or dietary preparation in a small rounded mass to be swallowed whole
b
or Pill
: birth control pill
—usually used with the
2
: something repugnant or unpleasant that must be accepted or endured
3
: something resembling a pill in size or shape
4
: a disagreeable or tiresome person
pilled; pilling; pills
: to become rough with or mat into little balls
brushed woolens often pill
Synonyms
Examples of pill in a Sentence
Noun
She took a pill for her headache.
The drug is available as a pill or a liquid.
Recent Examples on the Web
Maggie Horton, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
Soft knits and sweaters made from wool and cashmere tend to pill because they are more loosely held together and therefore more fragile.
—Christina Pérez, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2024
Bruce Gil, Quartz, 4 Nov. 2024
Over the past several years, potentially fatal doses of fentanyl have been found in samples of fake prescription pills, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
—Celia Ford, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pill 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
The brand notes that the fabric’s superior weave ensures durability, and reviewers confirm that the sheets don’t pill even after numerous cycles through the washer and dryer.
French Connection Fringe Trim Throw
And don’t miss out on this throw blanket deal from French Connections.
—Maggie Horton, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
Soft knits and sweaters made from wool and cashmere tend to pill because they are more loosely held together and therefore more fragile.
—Christina Pérez, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2024
Noun
The majority of these companies are also working to introduce weight-loss pills.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 4 Nov. 2024
Over the past several years, potentially fatal doses of fentanyl have been found in samples of fake prescription pills, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
—Celia Ford, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pill
Dictionary Entries Near pill
Cite this Entry
“Pill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pill. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pill
1 of 2 noun1
a
: medicine or a food supplement in a small rounded mass to be swallowed whole
b
often capitalized
: an oral contraceptive
—usually used with the
2
: something resembling a pill in shape or size
3
: something unpleasant that must be accepted or endured
4
: an unpleasant or tiresome person
pill
2 of 2 verb
of a garment
: to develop small balls of fiber on the surface because of wear
Medical Definition
pill
noun1
: a usually medicinal or dietary preparation in a small rounded mass to be swallowed whole
2
often capitalized
: birth control pill
—usually used with the
has been on the pill for three years
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