pill
pill Lexical Profile
pill Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A small, rounded, solid mass of medicine intended to be swallowed whole.
"She took a painkiller pill with a glass of water to relieve her headache."
An oral contraceptive medication taken regularly by women.
"She discussed the side effects of going on the pill with her gynecologist."
An annoying, tedious, or unpleasant person.
"He can be such a pill when things do not go his way at the office."
• verb
To form small, matted balls of fuzz or fibers on the surface of a textile or garment.
"Cheap sweaters tend to pill heavily after just a few cycles in the washing machine."
To administer medication in the form of a small, solid dose (especially to an animal).
"The veterinarian showed them how to pill the cat safely without getting scratched."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to oral contraceptives, the noun is almost universally preceded by the definite article ('the pill').
• Rhymes for pill
Word Origin & Etymology
Late Middle English: from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German 'pille', ultimately from Latin 'pilula', a diminutive of 'pila' meaning 'ball'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.