Definition

1. Noun:

   • A soft cushion used to support the head, especially during sleep: A pillow is a bag filled with soft material, such as feathers, foam, or fiber, designed to support the head and neck while lying down.
   • (Technical) A supporting piece or block: In engineering, a pillow can refer to a block or support that acts as a bearing or cushion for a machine part.

2. Verb:

   • To rest one's head on or as if on a pillow: To use something as a support for the head.
   • To serve as a cushion or support for something: To prop something up in a soft or supportive manner.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She fluffed her pillow before going to sleep.
  • The mechanic replaced the worn pillow block in the machinery.

• Verb:

  • He pillowed his head on his arms and fell asleep at the desk.
  • The soft moss pillowed the fallen statue.

Advanced Usage

• "To take counsel of one's pillow": To think deeply about something, often overnight, before making a decision.
  • I'll take counsel of my pillow and give you my answer in the morning.

Variants and Related Words

• Pillowy (adj): Soft and cushiony, resembling a pillow.

  • The cake had a pillowy texture.

• Pillowcase / Pillowslip (n): A removable cloth cover for a pillow.

  • She changed the pillowcases every week.

Synonyms

• Noun: Cushion, bolster, headrest.
• Verb: Cradle, cushion, prop, rest.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its usage is primarily as a standard transitive verb.)

Related Idioms

• A pillow of something: A thick, soft layer of something.
  • The valley was covered in a pillow of fog.

Noun

1. a cushion to support the head of a sleeping person

Verb

1. rest on or as if on a pillow
   • pillow your head