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
His Samoyed hops up and finds a spot between the athlete’s legs and the sofa’s back pillows. Nick Remsen, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026 The soft gray-white rattan complements the tailored beige high-density comfort cushions and creates an airy backdrop for your ever-evolving collection of seasonal all-weather pillows and throws. Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026 Visit its Heirloom Naga Centre to shop, stay at the property's eight-room guesthouse—done up with signature throw blankets and pillows—or take a traditional loin-loom weaving or basketry workshop hosted by Heirloom. Sohini Dey, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 The collection also includes an elegant metal platter based on the D-pad of the original Xbox controller, which is also available as a pillow, in both green and black. Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 29 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 4 Sep. 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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