1
a
: a usually medicinal or dietary preparation in a small rounded mass to be swallowed whole
b
or Pill
: birth control pill
—usually used with the
2
: something repugnant or unpleasant that must be accepted or endured
3
: something resembling a pill in size or shape
4
: a disagreeable or tiresome person
pilled; pilling; pills
: to become rough with or mat into little balls
brushed woolens often pill
Synonyms
Examples of pill in a Sentence
Noun
She took a pill for her headache.
The drug is available as a pill or a liquid.
Recent Examples on the Web
Enjanae' Taylor, Southern Living, 2 May 2024
The formula quickly absorbs into the skin, doesn’t pill, works well under makeup, and doesn’t leave a white cast.
—Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 30 Mar. 2024
The 100% polyester microfleece lining is super soft and won’t pill after washing.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 12 Feb. 2024
And wool, as another example, tends to pill over time, no matter how high quality the wool is.
—Alida Nugent, Peoplemag, 8 Jan. 2024
What to Consider The fabric may pill after a few washes.
—Sarah Kester, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2024
The fabric may pill after a few washes.
—Sarah Kester, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2024
Synthetic fabrics and garments made from a blend of multiple fibers are more likely to pill, as are those made with a looser weave.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023
The lightweight Berke Hood provides ample coverage but keeps skiers especially warm, and it’s made of sweat-wicking fabric that won’t pill on you.
—Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2023
Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 17 May 2024
There’s a lot of buzz surrounding the new non-addictive pain pill that is up for FDA approval.
—Antje M. Barreveld, STAT, 16 May 2024
The pills are pressed to look just like a variety of prescription pills.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 14 May 2024
The change was later made permanent, increasing the number of qualified clinicians who could now prescribe the pill to women seeking to end their pregnancies, according to the study.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 13 May 2024
The fake pills account for an increasing chunk of overall fentanyl seizures, the study found.
—Emma Bowman, NPR, 13 May 2024
No more laxatives or pills or chalky drink mixes, instead, listen to this frequency, and you’re all set.
—Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 8 May 2024
Olivia died in Kansas City and the pill that killed her was purchased in Olathe.
—Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 3 May 2024
And because the pill includes progestin and not estrogen, there are fewer side effects.
—TIME, 2 May 2024
Verb
On Sephora $59 What’s Great About It Firming gel made with a blend of peptides
Rosemary leaf extract minimizes swelling
Results in minutes
What Could Be Better
Pricey
May pill
The under-eye area is delicate and soft, but firm skin gives a healthy and youthful appearance.
—Enjanae' Taylor, Southern Living, 2 May 2024
The formula quickly absorbs into the skin, doesn’t pill, works well under makeup, and doesn’t leave a white cast.
—Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 30 Mar. 2024
The 100% polyester microfleece lining is super soft and won’t pill after washing.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 12 Feb. 2024
And wool, as another example, tends to pill over time, no matter how high quality the wool is.
—Alida Nugent, Peoplemag, 8 Jan. 2024
What to Consider The fabric may pill after a few washes.
—Sarah Kester, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2024
The fabric may pill after a few washes.
—Sarah Kester, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2024
Synthetic fabrics and garments made from a blend of multiple fibers are more likely to pill, as are those made with a looser weave.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023
The lightweight Berke Hood provides ample coverage but keeps skiers especially warm, and it’s made of sweat-wicking fabric that won’t pill on you.
—Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2023
Noun
These pills contain orange oil and rosemary extract, providing a light flavor.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 17 May 2024
There’s a lot of buzz surrounding the new non-addictive pain pill that is up for FDA approval.
—Antje M. Barreveld, STAT, 16 May 2024
The pills are pressed to look just like a variety of prescription pills.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 14 May 2024
The change was later made permanent, increasing the number of qualified clinicians who could now prescribe the pill to women seeking to end their pregnancies, according to the study.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 13 May 2024
The fake pills account for an increasing chunk of overall fentanyl seizures, the study found.
—Emma Bowman, NPR, 13 May 2024
No more laxatives or pills or chalky drink mixes, instead, listen to this frequency, and you’re all set.
—Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 8 May 2024
Olivia died in Kansas City and the pill that killed her was purchased in Olathe.
—Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 3 May 2024
And because the pill includes progestin and not estrogen, there are fewer side effects.
—TIME, 2 May 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pill.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near pill
Cite this Entry
“Pill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pill. Accessed 21 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pill
1 of 2 noun1
a
: medicine or a food supplement in a small rounded mass to be swallowed whole
b
often capitalized
: an oral contraceptive
—usually used with the
2
: something resembling a pill in shape or size
3
: something unpleasant that must be accepted or endured
4
: an unpleasant or tiresome person
pill
2 of 2 verb
of a garment
: to develop small balls of fiber on the surface because of wear
Medical Definition
pill
noun1
: a usually medicinal or dietary preparation in a small rounded mass to be swallowed whole
2
often capitalized
: birth control pill
—usually used with the
has been on the pill for three years
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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