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

Jessee, who specializes in menswear, compared panniers to buckets made of metal boning and fabric that sit on the actors’ hips. —Kansas City Star, 4 May 2026

Four wiry legs fold outward to deliver low, stable support, packing right up against the main body to fit neatly in a backpack compartment, bike pannier or kayak hatch. —C.c. Weiss may 03, New Atlas, 3 May 2026

Other cargo accessories include an oversized rear rack basket for carrying serious cargo and twin panniers for commuting, errands, and travel. —Erica Zazo, Outside, 27 Mar. 2026

Aknvas pushed the peplum silhouette to a new extreme with denim tops that mimicked the shape of 18th century panniers. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 Feb. 2026

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