oreiller

pillow

noun oh-reh-YEH Rare

Usage Note

Oreiller comes from oreille (ear) — historically a cushion placed near the ear. It refers specifically to the sleeping pillow, not a decorative cushion (un coussin). Une taie d'oreiller is a pillowcase. French beds often feature des oreillers (sleeping pillows) plus des traversins (bolster pillows) stacked against the headboard.

Examples

"Elle a trouvé son livre sous l'oreiller."

Natural Translation

She found her book under the pillow.

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