Search Dictionary
Definition of pillow
pillow
/ˈpɪl.oʊ/
pil · low
Plural:pillows
•Adjective:pillowy
•Past Simple:pillowed
•Past Participle:pillowed
•Present Participle:pillowing
pillow Lexical Profile
CEFR
A2
Grade
1
Tier
1
Usage
Top 5k
pillow Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• 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
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 Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pillow