Pillow block bearings are mounted plain or roller bearings used to provide support for rotating shafts with the mounting surface on a line parallel with the axis of the shaft. These refer to the housings that have a bearing fitted into them, thus the user need not purchase the bearings separately. Generally mounted in cleaner environments, these are typically meant for lesser loads in general industrial applications.

Pillow-block bearings are deployed in a variety of configurations. Unlike other bearings, they are pre-engineered to be self-lubricating and are designed with a reservoir to store lubricant for smooth operation. The fundamental application of pillow-block bearings involves safety. Their outer ring remains stationary while allowing rotation of the inner ring.