Pillow Definition Pillow Definition 1

Pillow (noun) — is a soft cushion, filled with materials such as feathers, memory foam, and polyester. Pillows support your neck during sleep and are usually covered in pillow cases. They can be placed on beds and sofas, and are also suitable for use during travel.

Part of speech:
Noun (countable)
Phonetic transcription (IPA):
/ˈpɪl.əʊ/
CEFR level:
A1
Word frequency:

How to Pronounce “Pillow”?

flag uk Audio (UK):
Play
00:00 / 00:00
flag us Audio (US):
Play
00:00 / 00:00
Tips for pillow pronunciation: 

It consists of two syllables. The first, pi, like in the word pill, and the second, low. Together, they sound like pi-low

Level up your English with Koto!

Examples: How to Use “Pillow” in a Sentence?

To define a pillow better, let’s look at some instances in context, so you can see the difference between singular and plural forms of the word and know what you can talk about regarding this topic:

I can sleep on this pillow because it isn’t soft at all. It is like a rock.

I bought some pillows on sale from that extremely popular brand.

I am so tired that this bench feels as soft as a pillow.

How often should you change your pillows? Every few years?

Do you have an extra pillow? One is not enough for me.

What Are Synonyms for the Word “Pillow”?

Are there any alternatives to this word? Actually, yes, especially because pillows have a rich cultural history and they appeared in different forms and looks. There are also many connected nouns, as pillows are usually parts of bed sets.

Related nouns: bedding blanket bed

Synonyms (contextual): cushion headrest pad

Common collocations: grab the pillow arrange pillows sleep on the pillows

“Pillow” Word Formation and Description in Context

It will be easier to grasp the pillow definition and use the word correctly when you know which phrases perfectly collocate with it and understand how to use them. Below, you will see a few frequently used instances:

With adjectives: comfortable pillow soft pillow firm pillow feather pillow

With verbs: adjust a pillow hug a pillow rest on the pillow sleep on the pillow

With nouns (noun + noun): pillow case travel pillows pillow stuffing

Idioms and Phrases with “Pillow”

When knowing how you spell a “pillow” and getting acquainted with some examples in context, it is time to expand your vocabulary with apt sayings so you can air your thoughts correctly and beautifully, with micro details:

  • Cry into your pillow — refers to a state when a person is very sad and hides away to express emotions privately.

      After our breakup, I cried into my pillow for hours. I couldn’t look in the mirror the next morning. My face was red and swollen.
  • Pillow fight — is a type of game where individuals throw pillows at each other for fun. It is often a part of a sleepover.

      Girls, you can do whatever you want, but no pillow fights. They are stuffed with feathers, and they are very expensive.
  • Pillow talk — is a phrase that can be used to describe an intimate talk between a couple before they fall asleep.

      That pillow talk was something we really needed. I finally heard him, and he listened to me.

Test Your Knowledge of Pillow Meaning – Quiz Time!

What is the best way to memorize these words? To use them in practice! Tap into our diverse exercises to determine whether you know everything about the word “pillow.”

Type 1: True/false statements:
Choose the correct answer:
1
“Pillow” is an uncountable noun.
2
Pillows — is the plural form of this word.
3
You can stuff a pillow only with feathers.
Type 2: Right word order:
Put these chaotic words in order:
1
can
without
sleep
I
pillows
2
find
He
can
pillow
a
cozy
not
3
people
sleep
firm
on
pillows
Many
Type 3: Choose the correct option
Select the one closest in meaning:
1
We threw pillows at each other! It was so fun! What does this describe?
2
This pillow is like a stone. Do you have anything else? What does “like a stone” mean?
3
He said so many good things about our future before I fell asleep. What kind of talk did they have?

Enjoy personalized learning!

“Pillow” Word in Other Languages

In addition to explaining what a rocket means, we unfold its spelling and pronunciation in some other, popular European languages: 

Language Word for “Pillow”
Flag Spanish Spanish   Almohada
Flag French French   L’oreiller
Flag German German   Kissen

Did You Know It? Fun Facts About “Pillow”

What fascinating pillows’ history is, having evolved from stones to supportive silk bedding elements. Let’s peek at some cool facts to understand the difference between what we have now and what people used to have, plus some more interesting stories:

  • 18.58 m — the largest pillow in the world.

    You can think — how big can a pillow be? In Guangdong, which is a Chinese city, people don’t ask. They do. In 2014, Sinomax Group made an 18,58 m long and 26.64 m wide pillow, which was recognized by Guinness World Records.
  • Mecopotamians used pillows.

    How old can they possibly be? Around 7,000 BC, people were already sleeping on them. However, there was one significant distinction. They could be made of rock, wood, or other materials. Not so pleasing as modern inventions that help support the neck.
  • Pillows were attributes of rich people.

    In ancient times, those with high status demonstrated their wealth by choosing their sleeping items as well. While poor people slept on logs and stones, people with money could afford porcelain or jade (still not very comfortable).
  • 7,681 people participated in the biggest pillow fight

    It happened on May 18, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The fight was part of a Christian event, and it occurred at Bank Stadium. Apart from fighters, there were about 60,000 spectators.

Famous Quotes Featuring “Pillow”

Poets praise pillows as comforters, and they equate them with moral integrity. Let’s not delay any moment and look at the insightful quotations we collected:

  “You have been a pillow I lay my weary soul upon.”

Richard L. Ratliff

Explanation: A writer from Indianapolis who writes poetry compares finding a soulmate to feeling soul relaxation, close to lying upon a pillow, which is the symbol of home, comfort, and warm memories.

  “There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience.”

— John Wooden

Explanation: Training people to play basketball, John Wooden could also give sound advice on being good. He thought that when you are free of guilt and have no dark spots on your reputation, it is your pillow that supports you and ensures a perfect sleep.

  “Fatigue is the best pillow.”

— Benjamin Franklin

Explanation: The man whose face you see on the $100 bill once noted that when you are tired to the point of fatigue, it doesn’t matter what type of pillow is under your head. In that condition, you will sleep even on a rock, without any complaints.