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

The Lemmo 3 is a long-tail ebike with room for cargo in the front and rear, plus pannier bags and up to two child seats. — New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2026

Diane Kruger, wearing a strapless Erdem gown with panniers, said drawing is a popular family activity in her household. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

If that wasn’t enough, fans can now re-live life on Coppola’s set through not one, but two pieces of media that immortalized every pannier and pastry. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026

The collection played with color and proportion, with insiders noting the exaggerated panniers and prints. — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

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