pillion
Americannoun
-
a pad or cushion attached behind a saddle, especially as a seat for a woman.
-
a pad, cushion, saddle, or the like, used as a passenger seat on a bicycle, motor scooter, etc.
-
a passenger's saddle or seat behind the driver's seat on a motorcycle.
noun
adverb
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The e‑bike, which was carrying a pillion passenger and described by Dorset Police as an "adapted electrically assisted pedal cycle or mountain bike", did not stop at the scene.
From BBC ● Mar. 10, 2026
Riding pillion on a neighbour’s motorcycle for 40 minutes through hillsides dotted with paddy fields, the 34-year-old health worker headed for the Mathalput Community Health Centre.
From Reuters ● Jan. 25, 2021
One particular issue is the practice of pillion riders, who are at more risk due to not being in control.
From The Guardian ● Oct. 2, 2019
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
There was a black silhouette picture of Great-great-aunt Martha riding on a pillion; and another of Grandfather and Grandmother Charrington, with a family of six little Charringtons, clad in décolleté dresses, spencers, and pantaloons.
From The Daughters of a Genius by Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey
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