First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
1pill
verb \ˈpil\
Definition of PILL
intransitive verb
dial chiefly English : to come off in flakes or scales : peel
transitive verb
1
archaic : to subject to depredation or extortion
2
dial : to peel or strip off
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Origin of PILL
Middle English pilen, pillen, partly from Old English pilian to peel, partly from Anglo-French piler to rob
2pill
noun
: a small, rounded object that you swallow and that contains medicine, vitamins, etc.
the pill : a pill that a woman takes so that she will not become pregnant : a contraceptive in pill form
: an annoying person
Full Definition of PILL
1
a : a usually medicinal or dietary preparation in a small rounded mass to be swallowed whole b often capitalized : 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
See pill defined for English-language learners
See pill defined for kids
Origin of PILL
Middle English pylle, from Anglo-French pile & Middle Dutch pille, both ultimately from Latin pilula, from diminutive of pila ball
First Known Use: 14th century
3pill
verb
Definition of PILL
transitive verb
1
: to dose with pills
2
intransitive verb
: to become rough with or mat into little balls <brushed woolens often pill>
First Known Use of PILL
1736
PILL Defined for Kids
pill
noun \ˈpil\
Definition of PILL for Kids
: medicine or a food supplement in the form of a small rounded mass to be swallowed whole
Medical Dictionary
pill
noun \ˈpil\
Medical Definition of PILL
1
: 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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