English · Word Candidate

pillow

/ˈpɪl.əʊ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: pillows · pillowing · pillowed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A soft cushion used to support the head in bed.

Noun

Examples

The appearance of the entire tomb is as if the warrior had seen the vision of Christ in his dying moments, and had fallen back peacefully upon his pillow, with his eyes still turned to it, and his hands clasped in prayer.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Any similar head support used for sleep, such as a neck pillow or a hard porcelain pillow.

Noun

Examples

She slept with her head on the pillow.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To rest as on a pillow.

Verb

Examples

...but Lucy was too thoroughly exhausted to awaken. There she lay, her head pillowed upon her arm, like a child that had cried itself to rest; while Francesca bent over her,...

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “pillow” mean?

A soft cushion used to support the head in bed.

Is “pillow” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.