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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The hot dog is covered like a pillow in a pillowcase. Justin Brown, AJC.com, 27 June 2026 Don’t let dark pillows overwhelm your space — swap them for light, brightly colored options instead. Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 Dark figures were darting through the shadows—Germans were carrying sacks and pillows to their building. Vasily Grossman, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 These colors will pop even more when the sun hits them, so lean into the wow-factor of the boldest, most unapologetic hues on pillows, pots, and furnishings. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pillow

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pillow was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pillow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pillow. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

pillow

1 of 2 noun
: 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

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