travesseiro
/tɾa.vɛˈsej.ɾu/
Definition
A soft cushion you rest your head on while sleeping in bed.
Example
Ela comprou um travesseiro novo para dormir melhor.
Show translation
She bought a new pillow to sleep better.
Etymology
From Portuguese *travessa* ("crosspiece, transverse thing"), derived from Latin *transversa* ("turned across"). The pillow was so named because it lay crosswise at the head of the bed — a "transverse" bolster.
Cultural note
In Brazil, *travesseiro* strictly means the head pillow, while *almofada* refers to a decorative cushion on a sofa or chair. Mixing them up is a common beginner mistake. Some Brazilians swear by the *travesseiro de corpo* (body pillow), especially popular during pregnancy.