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

One plus of modern opera that Gelb observed: there are no panniers or powdered wigs for the stars to dust off, making the transition from dressing room to dinner much easier. —Christopher Barnard, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2024

Accessories such as racks, panniers, padded seats and rails are also optionally available. —Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2024

Upcoming options will include turn-key adventure-ready models with panniers, crash bars and more from the extensive accessory catalog the company is building for the new bike. —William Roberson, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024

Loops located along the upper edges serve to hang or lash panniers and packs. —New Atlas, 27 July 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