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 called: cushion. 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 Word Forms

• pillowless adjective
• pillowlike adjective
• unpillowed 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

Now I’m enjoying setting down roots and building a real home — not just a place where my pillow is.

From Los Angeles Times

Inspectors observed detainees sleeping on the hold room floors without pillows or blankets.

From Los Angeles Times

After giggling and hiding her eyes behind a pillow, she fell asleep on the couch.

From Los Angeles Times

He kept the .38 revolver, a gift from his son, under his pillow.

From Los Angeles Times

He bought new pillows to set on his bed, which he would give to his parents, taking the couch.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cushion 
• padding