French word

oreiller

Pronunciation

IPA/oʁeje/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpillow

Example

Mon oreiller est confortable.

My pillow is comfortable.

Illustration for oreiller (pillow)

More examples

La taie d'oreiller est sale, il faut la laver.

The pillowcase is dirty, so it needs to be washed.

Core concept

A padded cushion placed under the head at night.

Common phrases

  • taie d'oreiller

    pillowcase

  • oreiller en coton

    cotton pillow

  • oreiller ferme

    firm pillow

Similar words

coussin: A small, soft, stuffed fabric cushion used to make a chair or sofa more comfortable.
traversin: A long, nearly cylindrical stuffed bed cushion often used for hugging.
taie: A removable, washable fabric cover that encloses a pillow's filling.

Definition in French

Pièce de literie rembourrée destinée à soutenir la tête pendant le sommeil.

Word origin

The word developed in Old French as oreillier from oreille and the suffix -ier, with oreille tracing back to Latin auricula.

Usage tips

  • French uses oreiller for a sleeping pillow, while a general or decorative cushion is usually called un coussin.

Word lists with this word