piston

noun

pis·​ton ˈpi-stən 

1

: a sliding piece moved by or moving against fluid pressure which usually consists of a short cylindrical body fitting within a cylindrical chamber or vessel along which it moves back and forth

2

: a sliding valve moving in a cylinder in a brass instrument which when depressed by a finger knob serves to lower the instrument's pitch

Examples of piston in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its first inaugural industrial-scale foray, announced last May, will start firing its pistons sometime in 2027 in Chemelot Industrial Park in the Dutch city of Sittard. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 20 Jan. 2026

Its single-piston brakes have ample bite without being grabby, and despite wearing very pedestrian all-season rubber, the whole suspension/steering/braking package holds impressive grip through a variety of different mountainside corners. —Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026

The largest brakes in 911 history have also been fitted—with 10-piston 420 mm front and four-piston 410 mm at the rear—further compensating for the Turbo S’s additional weight. —Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2026

Two-piston calipers, 180mm rotors, and strong modulation keep the bike composed even under hard braking. —New Atlas, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Italian pistone, from pistare to pound, from Old Italian, from Medieval Latin, from Latin pistus, past participle of pinsere to crush — more at pestle

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing piston

• piston pin
• piston ring
• piston rod

Kids Definition

piston

noun

pis·​ton ˈpis-tən 

: a sliding piece moved by or moving against the pressure of a fluid (as steam or hot gases) that usually consists of a short solid cylinder moving within a larger hollow cylinder

Biographical Definition

Piston

biographical name

Pis·​ton ˈpi-stən 

Walter Hamor 1894–1976 American composer