pillow
PIHL-oh
Pillow (noun) means a soft cushion used to support the head while lying down. Example: “The hotel left a chocolate on each guest's pillow every evening.”
noun
1
A soft cushion used to support the head while lying down.
"The hotel left a chocolate on each guest's pillow every evening."
"He fluffed his pillow before settling in for the night."
"She bought a memory-foam pillow to help with her neck pain."
How to use pillow
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe soft cushion you rest your head on.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
fluff a pillow
pillow talk
throw pillow
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Word forms
- Plural
- pillows
- Third person singular
- pillows
- Past tense
- pillowed
Fill the gap
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The hotel left a chocolate on each guest's _____ every evening.
Etymology
From Old English pyle, ultimately from a Latin word for cushion, related to the word for dust (originally the stuffing material).
Synonyms
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Rhymes for pillow
See all rhymes for pillow →Frequently asked questions
What does “pillow” mean?
The word “pillow” means a soft cushion used to support the head while lying down. In plain terms, the soft cushion you rest your head on.
How do you pronounce “pillow”?
“Pillow” is pronounced PIHL-oh (/ˈpɪl.oʊ/ [ˈpʰɪɫ.ö̞] in IPA).
How do you use “pillow” in a sentence?
Here is “pillow” used in a sentence: “He fluffed his pillow before settling in for the night.”
What part of speech is “pillow”?
“Pillow” is a noun.
Where does the word “pillow” come from?
The word “pillow” comes from Latin. From Old English pyle, ultimately from a Latin word for cushion, related to the word for dust (originally the stuffing material).
Is “pillow” a common word?
“Pillow” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a "pillow" and a "cushion"?
A pillow is a soft cushion specifically used to support the head while lying down, usually on a bed. A cushion is a broader term for any soft padded item used for comfort or support, such as those on sofas and chairs; a pillow is essentially a cushion made for sleeping.
What is the difference between a "pillow" and a "bolster"?
A pillow is a soft cushion for supporting the head, typically rectangular. A bolster is a long, firm, cylindrical cushion used for extra support along the back or under the knees, or as a decorative accent across a bed.
What are the common types of pillows?
Pillows come in several forms based on their filling and purpose, including down or feather pillows, memory foam pillows, and body pillows. All share the core function of a soft cushion that supports the head while lying down.
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