B2noun 1K

Pill

UK /["/pɪl/"]/ US /["/pɪl/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

a small flat round piece of medicine that you swallow whole, without biting it

Listen to definition

In simple words: A small round object that you swallow to get medicine.

Examples

• a vitamin pill
• Take three pills daily after meals.
• **pill-popping** *(= the act of taking too many pills or using illegal drugs)*
• The doctor prescribed her some pills to help her sleep.
• I was on various pills for my heart condition.
• the contraceptive pill
• to be/go on the pill
• Her doctor put her on the pill at 16.
• The election defeat was a bitter pill for the party to swallow.

Usage notes

Used in everyday conversation when discussing medication. Not suitable for formal writing. Avoid using in contexts where illegal drugs are the focus.

Grammar pattern

take + pill

Memory hint

Think of 'pill' like a 'chill' for your sickness—both have the 'ill' sound.

Collocations

• diet
• sleeping
• vitamin
• bottle
• pop
• swallow
• take
• birth-control
• contraceptive
• abortion
• be on
• go on
• use

Synonyms

• tablet
• capsule
• medication
• medicine
• dose

Antonyms

• cure
• remedy

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'tablet' which can refer to a larger form of medication.
• Misusing 'pill' in contexts related to food or non-medical substances.
• Mixing up singular and plural forms, saying 'pills' when referring to one.