Meaning & Definition of word "Pill"

Pill

/pɪl/

noun:

  • 1. A small round mass of solid medicine to be swallowed.
    • Example: She took a pill to alleviate her headache.
  • 2. A contraceptive pill taken to prevent pregnancy.
    • Example: Many women choose to take the pill for birth control.
  • 3. Something unpleasant that must be endured or accepted.
    • Example: Losing the match was a hard pill to swallow.
  • 4. A dose of medicine in tablet form.
    • Example: The doctor prescribed a pill to help him sleep.
  • 5. An object with a specific purpose or use in a game, often referred to in video gaming as a power-up.
    • Example: He collected a pill to restore his health in the game.

Etymology

Middle English 'pil', from Latin 'pila', meaning 'ball'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

pill to swallow:

A difficult or unpleasant fact or situation that one must accept.

the pill:

A colloquial term for contraceptive medication.

tough pill to swallow:

Something difficult to accept or endure.

Related Words

capsule:

A type of pill that is enclosed in a gelatin shell.

tablet:

A compressed form of medication typically in a solid tablet form.

medication:

A substance used for medical treatment.

Slang Meanings of pill

Meaning: Pill popper

Example Sentence: He's known as a pill popper for his frequent use of medication.

Meaning: Pop a pill

Example Sentence: She decided to pop a pill to help with her anxiety.