pillow
B1Neutral/Informal
Definition
Meaning
A soft, supportive cushion for the head, especially during sleep.
Any soft, cushioned support resembling a head pillow in shape or function; to rest or support something as if on a pillow.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a count noun (a pillow, pillows). The core semantic field relates to comfort, rest, and support. Can be used metonymically for sleep or bed ('share a pillow').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In BrE, 'pillow' is the general term. The separate, plainer cushion placed inside a pillowcase is sometimes called a 'pillowslip'. In AmE, 'pillow' is universal, and 'pillowcase' is the standard term for the covering.
Connotations
Identical in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to pillow one's head on somethingto be pillowed on somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a pillow fight”
- “pillow talk”
- “cry into your pillow”
- “carry a pillow (for support)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In hospitality or bedding retail, e.g., 'Our new line of hypoallergenic pillows is a best-seller.'
Academic
In medical or ergonomic studies, e.g., 'The study examined cervical spine alignment with different pillow types.'
Everyday
Conversations about sleep, comfort, or home furnishings. 'I need a new pillow; my neck hurts.'
Technical
In upholstery, orthopaedics, or product design, referring to materials, support structures, or pressure distribution.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She pillowed her head on a stack of books.
- The moss pillowed his fall from the low branch.
American English
- He pillowed his head on his arms at the desk.
- The fresh snow pillowed the bare ground.
adverb
British English
- (Rare/Non-standard)
- (Rare/Non-standard)
adjective
British English
- She bought some lovely pillow cases in the sale.
- The pillow cover needed washing.
American English
- He preferred a pillow sham that matched the comforter.
- The pillow top mattress was very comfortable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My pillow is very soft.
- I have two pillows on my bed.
- Could you pass me that pillow, please? My neck is stiff.
- She cried into her pillow so no one would hear.
- The hotel advertises orthopedic pillows for guests with back pain.
- He used the money as a financial pillow while looking for a new job.
- The soft earth pillowed her head as she lay gazing at the stars.
- Their late-night pillow talk often turned to plans for the future.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a WILLOW tree bending softly; a PILLOW is soft support for your head.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMFORT IS SOFTNESS / SUPPORT IS A PILLOW (e.g., 'pillow of moss', 'his savings were a financial pillow').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'подушка' (which is correct). Do not use 'pillow' for a large sofa cushion (диванная подушка), which is more naturally a 'cushion' in English.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'pillow' as an uncountable noun (*'I bought some pillow'). Correct: 'I bought a pillow/some pillows.' Incorrect verb use: *'I pillow my bag' (too literal/rare).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a common collocation with 'pillow'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it's literary or formal. It means 'to rest or support on or as if on a pillow' (e.g., 'She pillowed her head on his shoulder').
A pillow is primarily for the head in bed. A cushion is for sitting on (sofa, chair) or for decoration. A 'throw pillow' is a decorative cushion.
Yes, 'pillows' is the standard plural form.
It refers to intimate, private conversation between partners in bed.