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
At the palatial Grand Hotel Tremezzo, the lake's true grande dame, owner Valentina De Santis ensures her couches, pillows, and more are upholstered by Rubelli. Ondine Cohane, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2026 Filling Decorative Pillow Shams Decorative pillow shams in guest bedrooms that get little use offer an easy way to repurpose old towels. Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 16 Aug. 2026 The extra five minutes spent adjusting a pillow so the incision is protected, the calm explanation of what the next day will look like, the quiet competence that makes a terrifying situation feel manageable—these moments stick. Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 Blood was found on the sheets, her head had been positioned below a pillow, and a nightgown had been pulled over her waistline, according to the arrest report. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 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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