pillow

[ pil-oh ]

noun

1. a bag or case made of cloth that is filled with feathers, down, or other soft material, and is used to cushion the head during sleep or rest.
2. anything used to cushion the head; headrest:

   a pillow of moss.

3. Also called lace pillow. a hard cushion or pad that supports the pattern and threads in the making of bobbin lace.
4. a supporting piece or part, as the block on which the inner end of a bowsprit rests.

verb (used with object)

1. to rest on or as on a pillow.
2. to support with pillows.
3. to serve as a pillow for:

   She pillowed the child with her body.

verb (used without object)

1. to rest as on a pillow.

pillow

/ ˈpɪləʊ /

noun

1. a cloth case stuffed with feathers, foam rubber, etc, used to support the head, esp during sleep
2. Also calledcushion a padded cushion or board on which pillow lace is made
3. anything like a pillow in shape or function

verb

1. to rest (one's head) on or as if on a pillow
2. to serve as a pillow for

Other Words From

• pillow·less adjective
• pillow·like adjective
• un·pillowed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pillow¹

before 900; Middle English pilwe, Old English pylu < Latin pulvīnus cushion (whence also German Pfühl)

Word History and Origins

Origin of pillow¹

Old English pylwe, from Latin pulvīnus cushion; compare German Pfühl

Synonym Study

See cushion.

Example Sentences

So for now, he’s stuck with some students jumping over pillows.

From Washington Post

Their line now includes weighted robes, weighted sleep masks, sheets, pillows, and more.

From Popular-Science

The more strongly I disidentify, the more likely I am to get rid of that pillow.

From Washington Post

The problem was that I'd get it all over the pillows and sheets.

From Washington Post

However, if you’re trying different approaches to improve your sleep—a relaxing pillow spray, avoiding screens before bed, or winding down with a warm shower—a tracking app can help you figure out what works best for you.

From Popular-Science

The forums and message boards all cite “waking up to loose strands on your pillow” as a real indicator of significant hair loss.

From The Daily Beast

I moved my head one inch off the pillow to find out which it was, and something growled.

From The Daily Beast

We were about to go to sleep, but I decided to tease him about his weird habit of having the pillow a certain way on the bed.

From The Daily Beast

Her pillow talk with Coulson when they were lovers for six years had never included mention of it.

From The Daily Beast

Her demand was simple: I will not marry Loras Tyrell (i.e., the “renowned pillow-biter” to whom Papa Tywin has betrothed her).

From The Daily Beast

At last Aristide fed him desperately, dandled him eventually to sleep, and returned to an excited pillow.

From Project Gutenberg

She suddenly sank back upon the pillow and gave up to bitter anguish, when she recalled what had followed.

From Project Gutenberg

Hilda bent over her trembling head whose right side pressed upon the pillow.

From Project Gutenberg

Mafuta rose and left the tent, and Tom, turning on his side, observed the Bible lying on the pillow.

From Project Gutenberg

She had sunk down beside the bed, her head was buried in the pillow; she was sobbing wildly.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cushion
• padding