pannier

noun

pan·​nier ˈpan-yər 

ˈpa-nē-ər

variants or less commonly panier

1

: a large container: such as

a

: a basket often carried on the back of an animal or the shoulders of a person

b

: one of a pair of packs or baskets hung over the rear wheel of a vehicle (such as a bicycle)

2

a

: one of a pair of hoops formerly used to expand women's skirts at the sides

b

: an overskirt draped at the sides of a skirt for an effect of fullness

Illustration of pannier

• pannier 2b

Examples of pannier in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Big Agnes' bikepacking tents have shorter pole lengths, enabling them to fit between drop handlebars, or in panniers. —Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 2 July 2024

In the show, models emerged onto the runway in colorful looks with boxed shoulders and geometric shapes that featured shoulder pads, collars, panniers, noticeable necklines and uneven silhouettes, making for a very angular and kinesthetic runway. —Allyson Portee, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 June 2024

Illustration: Courtesy of Archives Balenciaga Paris Balenciaga, fall 1939 couture dress remake The panniers on Balenciaga’s dress were inspired by Las Meninas by Velasquez. —Vogue, 25 June 2024

Mac begins the evening in fifties-hostess splendor: a wig of rose-colored tulle, pink cigarette pants, and a dress with panniers à la polonaise. —Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English panier, from Anglo-French paner, panier, from Latin panarium, from panis bread — more at food

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pannier

noun

pan·​nier ˈpan-yər 

ˈpan-ē-ər

: a large basket

especially : one carried on the back of an animal or the shoulder of a person

Medical Definition

pannier

noun

pan·​nier ˈpan-yər, ˈpan-ē-ər 

: a covered basket holding surgical instruments and medicines for a military ambulance