pillion

1 of 2

noun

pil·​lion ˈpil-yən How to pronounce pillion (audio)
1
a
: a light saddle for women consisting chiefly of a cushion
b
: a pad or cushion put on behind a man's saddle chiefly for a woman to ride on
2
chiefly British : a motorcycle or bicycle saddle for a passenger

pillion

2 of 2

adverb

chiefly British
: on or as if on a pillion
ride pillion

Examples of pillion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Direct your gaze to the compact two-into-two Akrapovic exhaust snaking its way to the rear, where a sharp pillion cowl caps the seat. New Atlas, 6 Mar. 2026 Melling rode along with them as a passenger in the pillion seat that gives the film its name, and accompanied some of them to Cambridge Pride. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026 When Ray lavishes attention on another biker's pet pillion, Kevin (Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters), Colin sulks until his master unzips his trousers and gives him a treat. Amy Nicholson, Houston Chronicle, 17 Feb. 2026 The film gets aesthetically expressive in slow-motion sequences when Colin is riding pillion on Ray’s bike, capturing the sensual excitement of it all, the wild ride that Colin has chosen to take. Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2026 When Ray lavishes attention on another biker’s pet pillion, Kevin (Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters), Colin sulks until his master unzips his trousers and gives him a treat. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Scots Gaelic or Irish; Scottish Gaelic pillean, diminutive of peall covering, couch; Irish pillín, diminutive of peall covering, couch

First Known Use

Noun

1503, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pillion was in 1503

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pillion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pillion. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

pillion

noun
pil·​lion
ˈpil-yən
1
: a cushion or pad placed behind a saddle for an extra rider
2
: a saddle for a passenger on a motorcycle or bicycle
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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