pillion

American  

[pil-yuhn] / ˈpɪl yən /

noun

1. a pad or cushion attached behind a saddle, especially as a seat for a woman.

2. a pad, cushion, saddle, or the like, used as a passenger seat on a bicycle, motor scooter, etc.

3. a passenger's saddle or seat behind the driver's seat on a motorcycle.

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pillion British  

/ ˈpɪljən /

noun

1. a seat or place behind the rider of a motorcycle, scooter, horse, etc

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adverb

1. on a pillion

   to ride pillion

Etymology

Origin of pillion

1495–1505; < Scots Gaelic pillinn or Irish pillín, diminutive of peall skin, rug blanket, MIr pell < Latin pellis skin

Example Sentences

Dorset Police previously said the rider and a pillion passenger left the scene, leaving the woman with injuries that were not serious.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

The duo along with their plumber, Ravi Shaw, who rides pillion, make their way to the first huddle of people and get to work.

From The Guardian • Mar. 19, 2020

As the convoy left the hospital it was chased by two motorcycle film crews, with one cameraman standing on the pillion seat.

From New York Times • Aug. 30, 2017

A somewhat less comfortable pillion seat is hidden beneath the rear cowl, with slender fold-down passenger pegs available along with an integrated grab bar.

From Forbes • Jul. 1, 2015

Brian O'Reily shall wait on the opposite shore with my horse and pillion for you, and another for himself.

From The Cavaliers of Virginia, vol. 1 of 2 or, The Recluse of Jamestown; An historical romance of the Old Dominion by Caruthers, William A. (Alexander)