Pillow Meaning and Definition
Pillow
Pronunciation
/ˈpɪlloʊ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A cushion or support for the head or neck in sleeping or resting.
Examples
- I woke up with a kink in my neck from sleeping on that old pillow.
- She loves to travel with a pillow and blanket for comfortable sleeping.
- I’m so tired, I just want to go home and collapse onto my pillow.
- He brought a pillow to the movie theater to support his neck.
- The hotel room had a plush pillow that felt great against my head.
- She always brings a pillow to the park to sit on during the concerts.
Synonyms
- Cushion
- Support
- Headrest
Antonyms
- Floor
- Wall
Etymology
The word “Pillow” comes from the Old English word “pillow” meaning “bedding”, which is derived from the Latin word “pillium” meaning “cushion”.
Usage Notes
Pillow is often used in informal contexts such as casual conversations or writing. It can be used as a metaphor for comfort, relaxation, or a sense of security.
Cultural References
Pillow has appeared in various forms of media, such as literature (e.g. James Joyce’s Ulysses), music (e.g. “Pillow Talk” by Matt Monro), and film (e.g. The 40-Year-Old Virgin).
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “To have a pillow fight” means to engage in a playful and lighthearted fight with someone.
- “Pillow talk” refers to gentle and soothing conversation often shared between romantic partners.
Related Words or Phrases
- Pillows
- Cushion
- Headrest
- Buoy
Collocations
- Pillow and blanket
- Pillow and sleep
- Pillow and comfort
Frequency of Use
Pillow is a commonly used word in everyday language, with an average frequency of use in the top 1,000 words in the English language.
Common Misspellings
- Pilow
- Pillowz
- Pillow