1
a
: a usually massive gateway
b
: an ancient Egyptian gateway building in a truncated pyramidal form
c
: a monumental mass flanking an entranceway or an approach to a bridge
2
a
chiefly British : a tower for supporting either end of usually a number of wires over a long span
b
: any of various towerlike structures
3
a
: a post or tower marking a prescribed course of flight for an airplane
c
: one of the flexible upright markers positioned on a football field at the corners of the end zone
4
: a rigid structure on the outside of an aircraft for supporting something (such as an engine or missile) see airplane illustration

Illustration of pylon

Illustration of pylon
  • pylon 1b

Examples of pylon in a Sentence

The bridge is supported by concrete pylons. a row of electricity pylons
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.
To follow Nied’s score, Knowles leaped over two defenders, falling near the pylon. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026 On Wednesday morning, WJZ cameras captured a massive crane lifting a support pylon for the rebuilt bridge into place. Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026 His first drive was capped by an 11-yard scramble to the right pylon on third-and-5 for a touchdown. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026 At Tower 208, a component known as a compression paddle was not securely bonded to the pylon, allowing debris to form and creating a dangerous air pocket, the filing said. Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pylon

Word History

Etymology

Greek pylōn, from pylē gate

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of pylon was in 1817

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pylon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pylon. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: a tower for supporting a long span of wire
also : any of various structures like a tower
2
: a post or tower marking a prescribed course of flight for an airplane

Medical Definition

: a simple temporary artificial leg

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