pylon

American  

[pahy-lon] / ˈpaɪ lɒn /

noun

pylons plural

1. a marking post or tower for guiding aviators, frequently used in races.

2. a relatively tall structure at the side of a gate, bridge, or avenue, marking an entrance or approach.

3. a monumental tower forming the entrance to an ancient Egyptian temple, consisting either of a pair of tall quadrilateral masonry masses with sloping sides and a doorway between them or of one such mass pierced with a doorway.

4. a steel tower or mast carrying high-tension lines, telephone wires, or other cables and lines.

5. Aeronautics. a finlike device used to attach engines, auxiliary fuel tanks, bombs, etc., to an aircraft wing or fuselage.

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pylon British  

/ ˈpaɪlən /

noun

1. a large vertical steel tower-like structure supporting high-tension electrical cables

2. a post or tower for guiding pilots or marking a turning point in a race

3. a streamlined aircraft structure for attaching an engine pod, external fuel tank, etc, to the main body of the aircraft

4. a monumental gateway, such as one at the entrance to an ancient Egyptian temple

5. a temporary artificial leg

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• pylons
  plural

Etymology

Origin of pylon

First recorded in 1840–50, pylon is from the Greek word pylṓn gateway, gate tower

Explanation

A pylon is a bar or rod that supports some structure, like a bridge or a highway overpass. You might notice the pylons underpinning your city's elevated train tracks. Pylons are often made of steel or concrete, because they are strong substances that can hold a large amount of weight. A pylon needs to be sturdy, since it is supporting a bridge, road, or power lines. Other pylons act as navigational aids, marking paths for cars or small planes. The word's original meaning was "gateway to an Egyptian temple." Pylon is a Greek word that means "gateway," from pyle, "gate or entrance."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pylon pylons

A firm planning major new pylon routes through Wales needs to better inform residents before accessing their land, a judge has ruled.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

Stephanie Mills, from Dickey Steps Riding School, told BBC Radio Manchester there were lots of emergency vehicles in the area a huge yellow parachute could be seen attached to the pylon.

From BBC ● Feb. 3, 2026

The ball bounced out of bounds, hitting the pylon on its way out for a safety, extending the Ole Miss lead to 39-34.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 2, 2026

Investigators later determined that improper repair work on the American Airlines plane had damaged parts within its pylon, a structure that attaches the engine to the wing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 20, 2025

“The first block was half an inch, the second one a quarter inch...which means we’ve got to take the pylon down three-quarters of an inch.”

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen

His board did not survive and smashed into the pier’s pylons.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 13, 2026

One of the big opportunities is Valmont Industries, the largest supplier of poles, pylons, and substation hardware in the U.S.

From Barron's ● May 15, 2026

Valmont has a 40% market share of pylons and poles supplied to the companies behind electric grids.

From Barron's ● May 15, 2026

Features seen in the pictures, including pylons, storage units and markings on paved areas, matched with satellite imagery.

From BBC ● Mar. 29, 2026

The train flew over its pylons, curving toward the center of the trade nexus, speeding over brackish water, bright with leaked waste oil and scrap trash and the stink of chemicals.

From "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi

Related Words

• monument