pillow

American  

[pil-oh] / ˈpɪl oʊ /

noun

1. a bag or case made of cloth that is filled with feathers, down, or other soft material, and is used to cushion the head during sleep or rest.

2. anything used to cushion the head; headrest.

   a pillow of moss.

3. Also called lace pillow.  a hard cushion or pad that supports the pattern and threads in the making of bobbin lace.

4. a supporting piece or part, as the block on which the inner end of a bowsprit rests.

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verb (used with object)

1. to rest on or as on a pillow.

2. to support with pillows.

3. to serve as a pillow for.

   She pillowed the child with her body.

verb (used without object)

1. to rest as on a pillow.

pillow British  

/ ˈpɪləʊ /

noun

1. a cloth case stuffed with feathers, foam rubber, etc, used to support the head, esp during sleep

2. Also called: cushion.  a padded cushion or board on which pillow lace is made

3. anything like a pillow in shape or function

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verb

1. to rest (one's head) on or as if on a pillow

2. to serve as a pillow for

Related Words

See cushion.

Other Word Forms

• pillowless adjective
• pillowlike adjective
• unpillowed adjective

Etymology

Origin of pillow

before 900; Middle English pilwe, Old English pylu < Latin pulvīnus cushion (whence also German Pfühl)

Example Sentences

Meadowlark flips over and mutters something I can’t make out and hugs a pillow to her chest, but she doesn’t open her eyes.

From Literature

The door was ajar, and the sight of his bed with the red plaid sheets and the New York Jets pillow he and Tom had gotten after a game immediately made him relax.

From Literature

“Ask the salesperson for a pillow. Then check the following: Lie on your back and focus on your spine. It should be neutral, not arched, and your hips and shoulders should feel cradled.”

From MarketWatch

She hangs out on pillows surrounding her gas stove with her cat Murchyk, which now always wears a little sweater.

From The Wall Street Journal

Owen slid his frozen legs underneath Nanuq’s head, and George did the same, making a pillow for the polar bear to lie on.

From Literature

Related Words

• cushion
• padding