pillow

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'pillow' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a soft cushion or support for the head or other parts of the body, usually used while sleeping. Example: I tossed and turned all night, trying to find a comfortable position on the hard mattress and thin pillows.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A handful of objects including a Victorian cast of the head of a hanged man and a delicate lace pillow embroidered with her own hair by a woman arrested hundreds of times for public drunkenness have left one of the most private collections in the world for the first time, for the first public exhibition from the Black Museum of the Metropolitan police.

The Guardian

They're so well matched, in fact, that they're probably enacting a rom-com montage together as we speak; skipping through meadows, having pillow fights with sacks of money, tying women to trainlines and then twirling their moustaches and then high-fiving each other.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Someone's breaking in!" He lifted his head from the pillow.

The Guardian

See? Get that man a pillow and some Ovaltine, or who knows what will happen in the next 10 days.

The Guardian

Even the most basic hotel rooms have their pleasures, though – watching TV in a bed that someone else has made, unwrapping little soaps (although once I unwrapped and ate a soap I found on my pillow, thinking it was a chocolate), finding the kettle to make a cup of tea after a long journey.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Meanwhile the average westerner gets through 14.2kg of cotton a year, in everything from underwear to pillow covers to medical dressings.

The Guardian

Suspicions were raised immediately after Davidson alerted staff that Paterson had died, as there was blood on the pillow.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

ottos-restaurant.com BG Borough Market's Bread Ahead is the first stop on any London doughnut pilgrimage; unsurprising as Justin Gellatly is the man behind the bakery's pillow-like creations.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One of them claimed to have recorded his pillow-talk; a magazine put her recordings on the internet.Bad motives are one thing; bad law another.

The Economist

He goes to see the first feather fossil in a Wyoming museum, the plumed showgirls in Las Vegas, a down-pillow factory in Seattle.

The Economist

She complained she had even had to bring her own pillows to his trolley because the hospital had run out of them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing comfort, consider using descriptive adjectives like "soft", "plush", or "supportive" before "pillow" to enhance the imagery.

Common error

Avoid using "pillow" as a verb in formal writing. While it exists, it's rarely used in contemporary English. Instead of "to pillow your head", use "to rest your head on a pillow".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pillow" is as a noun, referring to a soft cushion used to support the head, neck, or other body parts during rest or sleep. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread and generally accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Lifestyle

20%

Travel

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "pillow" is a common noun referring to a soft cushion used for support, especially during sleep. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance. It's used in various contexts, primarily in news and lifestyle content. While it can be used as a verb, this is less common. For enhanced writing, consider using descriptive adjectives. Alternative terms include "cushion" and "bolster". Common sources include The Guardian and The Economist. In summary, "pillow" is a versatile and widely understood term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sleeping cushion

Specifically highlights the use of a cushion for sleeping, making it a direct synonym in that context.

soft head support

Emphasizes the softness and the purpose of supporting the head, a descriptive alternative to "pillow".

cushion

Refers to a soft object used for comfort or support, similar to a pillow but potentially used in different contexts such as seating.

headrest

Specifically designed to support the head, often in a car or chair, offering a more specialized function than a general pillow.

body pillow

A long pillow designed to support the entire body, offering more extensive support than a regular pillow.

bolster

A long, cylindrical pillow or cushion, often used for support in beds or sofas; it's a specific type of pillow.

neck roll

A cylindrical cushion specifically for neck support, different in shape and primary use from a standard pillow.

support cushion

Highlights the function of providing support, applicable to various body parts, broader than just head support.

throw pillow

A decorative pillow, often smaller than a sleeping pillow, used for aesthetic purposes on sofas or chairs.

bedding

Encompasses all items used on a bed, including pillows, sheets, and blankets; it's a broader term that includes pillows.

FAQs

How can I describe a comfortable pillow?

You can use adjectives such as "soft", "fluffy", "plush", or "supportive" to describe a comfortable pillow. For example, "I sank into the soft pillow and fell asleep instantly."

What are some alternative words for "pillow"?

Some alternatives include "cushion", "bolster", or "headrest", depending on the context. A "cushion" is a general term for a soft object used for support, while a "bolster" is a long, cylindrical pillow.

Is it correct to use "pillow" as a verb?

While "pillow" can be used as a verb, it is not common in modern usage. It's generally better to use a phrase like "rest your head on a pillow" instead.

What is the difference between a "pillow" and a "cushion"?

A "pillow" is primarily designed for supporting the head during sleep, while a "cushion" is a more general term for a soft object used for support or comfort on chairs, sofas, or other surfaces.