pills
|pill|
/pɪl/
(pill)
small medicinal tablet
Etymology
'pills' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'pila', where 'pila' meant 'ball'.
'pills' changed from Old English 'pylle' (from Latin 'pila') and Middle English 'pil(e)' and eventually became the modern English word 'pill' (plural 'pills').
Initially, it meant 'ball', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a small round mass of medicine' and related senses.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small, solid dose of medicine intended to be swallowed.
She takes two pills every morning.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a contraceptive tablet (the 'pill').
Many women use birth control pills.
Synonyms
Noun 3
a small ball or cluster of tangled fibers that forms on fabric (also called a 'bobble').
Her sweater has a lot of pills after washing.
Synonyms
Noun 4
(informal) An unpleasant, difficult, or disagreeable person.
They can be real pills sometimes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/08 11:12