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.
Careful to avoid the sharp oyster shells below and razor-like edges of barnacles on the dock pylons all around, Leven got the buoy to Von Herbulis. — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 Sayin tucked it, rolled around left end and dove near the pylon for a 7-yard touchdown with 15 seconds remaining to give the Buckeyes a 28-10 advantage at halftime. — Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026 Smith then found Wilson for a 22-yard touchdown catch, with Wilson reaching the pylon. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 27 Sep. 2026 On second-and-goal from the 3, Baylor QB DJ Lagway, who was wild all day, lofted a rainbow toward the back left pylon. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 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 20 Oct. 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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