What does pastille mean?
A pastille is a small, round lozenge, most often associated with medicine. Medicated pastilles may contain aromatic or soothing substances and are taken for conditions such as coughs, sore throats, or irritation. The word can also describe small pieces of firm confectionery made in a similar shape, including fruit- or mint-flavored varieties. Although “pastille” may suggest something medicinal in modern English, the word has also been used for sweets and flavored preparations. It is somewhat formal and literary in general writing, while remaining a practical descriptive term in pharmacy and food-related contexts. “Pastil” is an alternative spelling, particularly familiar in British English. The word is easily confused with “pastel,” but the two refer to entirely different things: one is a lozenge or confection, and the other is a pale shade or a soft drawing material.
nounA small, round medicinal lozenge, especially one flavored with aromatic or soothing ingredients. The term can also refer to a small, firm piece of confectionery shaped like a lozenge.
- A small, round medicinal lozenge, especially one with an aromatic flavor.
- A small, firm piece of confectionery resembling a medicinal lozenge.
"She took a pastille to soothe her dry throat."
"The pharmacist recommended a soothing pastille for her cough."
"The box contained an assortment of fruit-flavored pastilles."
Used to refer to multiple medicinal lozenges or small pieces of confectionery.
"She placed two pastilles on the bedside table."
A word for a tiny medicinal sweet ultimately points back to Latin pasta, meaning “dough” or “paste.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pastille
English borrowed the word from French pastille, which came through Spanish pastilla from Latin pastilla, a diminutive of pasta, meaning “dough” or “paste.” The development from a word associated with small cakes or doughy preparations to a term for tablets and lozenges occurred through historical usage. English paste, pastry, and pasta are related through the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How pastille is actually used
The word is somewhat formal and literary in general use but common in medical, pharmaceutical, and confectionery contexts. In British English, “pastille” is standard, while “pastil” is also encountered; American usage is less frequent.
Easily confused with pastille
A pastille is a medicinal lozenge or small confection, whereas a pastel is a pale color or a soft crayon-like material.