VocabuoDictionaryGet the app
noun

la almohadilla

pad

Cojín pequeño que sirve para apoyar o proteger una parte del cuerpo o un objeto.

Definition & meaning

Almohadilla is a feminine Spanish noun with several related meanings:

  1. A small cushion, pad, or padded support used for comfort, protection, or pressure absorption.

    • An almohadilla para el ratón is a mouse pad.
    • An almohadilla de tinta is an ink pad.
    • An almohadilla protectora is a protective pad.

  2. The hash or number sign, #, especially on a telephone keypad or in computing. It can also refer to the symbol used in hashtags.

    • Press la almohadilla after entering the number.
    • In many contexts, hashtag is also used for a word preceded by #.

  3. The soft pad on an animal’s paw, especially a cat’s or dog’s paw.

    • La almohadilla plantar is the paw pad.

Grammar & Word origin

  • Gender: feminine
  • Article: la almohadilla
  • Plural: almohadillas
  • Pronunciation: approximately al-mo-a-DEE-ya

The word is formed from almohada (“pillow”) plus the diminutive suffix -illa . Historically, almohada comes from Arabic, while -illa commonly indicates something small or serving a related function.

Synonyms & antonyms

Physical pad or cushion

  • cojín — a cushion, usually larger or intended for sitting or decoration; almohadilla more often suggests a smaller, functional pad.
  • acolchado — padding or cushioning material; it describes the padded quality rather than necessarily being a separate object.
  • protector — a protective pad or guard; it emphasizes protection rather than softness or support.

There is no exact common antonym for almohadilla. Depending on the context, contrasting expressions include superficie dura (“hard surface”) or sin protección (“without protection”).

Hash symbol

  • signo de almohadilla — a descriptive term for #.
  • signo de número — common when # means “number.”
  • numeral — another term for the number sign in some contexts.
  • etiqueta — used for a hashtag in social media, but it refers to the tagged word or phrase rather than specifically to the symbol itself.

Common phrases & collocations

  • almohadilla para el ratón — mouse pad
  • almohadilla de tinta — ink pad
  • almohadilla protectora — protective pad
  • almohadilla plantar — paw pad
  • tecla de almohadilla — hash key on a telephone or keyboard
  • pulsar la almohadilla — to press the hash key

Make “almohadilla” part of your vocabulary.

Build your Spanish vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.

Get Vocabuo on the App StoreGet Vocabuo for Android

Examples

Compré una almohadilla nueva para mejorar mi postura al escribir.noun

I bought a new pad to improve my posture while writing.

Coloqué varias almohadillas bajo las rodillas para sentirme más cómodo.noun

I placed several pads under my knees to feel more comfortable.

Keep exploring Spanish

Learn words from the content you love.

Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).

Download on theApp StoreGET IT ONGoogle Play