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
Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary material is a body-conforming foam the brand uses for their popular mattresses, toppers, and pillows. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 4 Aug. 2026 Since then, Jabees has improved on its design, with a compact twin-speaker unit that folds up into a compact package when not in use and spreads out flat under any pillow when needed. New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2026 The 56-year-old musician could be seen shirtless in bed, propping himself up against several white pillows in one intimate image. Lara Walsh, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026 Towels, pillows, and bed linen aren’t cheap either, particularly at luxury properties using high-spec cotton or custom embroidery. Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 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 7 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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