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

The model of plane is known to deploy a parachute system and images circulating online appeared to show a yellow parachute canopy caught in a nearby pylon.

From BBC ● Feb. 3, 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

But as Northwestern’s Najee Story rumbled toward that same pylon with ball in hand, USC’s quarterback closed in, lowered his shoulder and catapulted his entire body toward the 288-pound defensive tackle.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 8, 2025

Down 2-0 in the third quarter, Flowers escaped the pocket on a third-and-12 play, keeping the ball on a read option and dove for the pylon for the touchdown.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 25, 2025

A raven landed on the stone pylon of the bridge as Anya approached.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

Battle lines drawn over 'monstrous' pylons and solar farm 'wastelands'

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 13, 2026

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

From BBC ● Mar. 29, 2026

Seguro and Ventura have drastically rewritten their election scripts and appearances to focus on the towns and villages worst hit by floods, where the storm has torn down buildings and pylons.

From Barron's ● Feb. 6, 2026

The trees rose around them, some as high as electricity pylons, some no taller than Christopher.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

Related Words

• monument