Search Dictionary
Definition of pillow

pillow

/ˈpɪl.oʊ/
pil · low
Plural:pillows
•
Adjective:pillowy
•
Past Simple:pillowed
•
Past Participle:pillowed
•
Present Participle:pillowing
JUMP TO:

pillow Lexical Profile

pillow Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A rectangular cloth bag stuffed with feathers, foam, or other soft materials, used to support the head when lying down.

Example

"She fluffed her pillow before settling into bed for the night."

2

Any object or mass used to gently support the head or another part of the body.

Example

"He used his rolled-up jacket as a makeshift pillow during the long flight."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pillow

• verb

1

To rest or place (one's head) on or as if on a pillow.

Example

"She pillowed her head on her arms and quickly fell asleep at her desk."

2

To serve as a pillow for, or to gently support and soften.

Example

"The thick moss pillowed his fall, preventing serious injury."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pillow

• Rhymes for pillow

• Nearby Words

pillbox
pillbug
pillion
pillow
pillowcase
pillowslip
pillowy

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'pyle', which was derived from Latin 'pulvinus' meaning 'cushion'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pillow. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pillow
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.