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Pillion

A pillion is a passenger seat or pad located behind the main saddle on a motorcycle, bicycle, or similar vehicle.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A pillion is a passenger seat or pad located behind the main saddle on a motorcycle, bicycle, or similar vehicle. In British English, it can also refer to the passenger riding in that position, and the phrase "ride pillion" means to travel as that passenger. Canadian English uses "pillion" less often than British English, but the term is still understandable in motorcycling contexts and appears in general dictionaries used by Canadian readers.

Definition and usage

Modern dictionaries define a pillion as a rear passenger seat or cushion, especially on a motorcycle. In British English, the word can also refer to the passenger riding there, and the phrase "ride pillion" means to travel as that passenger.

Historical background

Reference sources trace the word to Scottish Gaelic pillean, meaning "little rug," with a further origin in Latin pellis, meaning "animal skin." The term reflects older horseback riding practices before transferring to motor vehicles.

Motorcycling context

In motorcycling, the pillion is the rear seat used by a passenger. The term is common in discussions of passenger seating, comfort, and carrying a second rider.

Key facts

  • A pillion is the secondary seat or cushion behind the main rider’s seat on a motorcycle or similar vehicle.
  • In British English, “pillion” can also mean the passenger who sits there.
  • The expression “ride pillion” means to travel as a passenger on that rear seat.
  • Dictionary sources also note historical use for horses and broader usage for bicycles, scooters, and mopeds.
  • The word is commonly treated as chiefly British in modern dictionaries.
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Canadian context

Canadian English uses “pillion” less often than British English, but the term is still understandable in motorcycling contexts and appears in general dictionaries used by Canadian readers.[1][3][8]

Frequently asked questions

What does “pillion” mean?
It usually means the rear passenger seat or cushion behind the main rider on a motorcycle or similar vehicle.
Can “pillion” refer to a person?
Yes. In British English, “pillion” can also mean the passenger riding in that rear position.
What does “ride pillion” mean?
It means to travel as the passenger seated on the pillion of a motorcycle or similar vehicle.
Is “pillion” only used for motorcycles?
No. Dictionaries also record broader historical or extended use for bicycles, mopeds, scooters, and horses.
Where does the word come from?
It is traced to Scottish Gaelic pillean (“little rug”), ultimately from Latin pellis (“animal skin”).

References

  1. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pillion
    Supports: Definition as a rear motorcycle/bicycle passenger seat; British usage; phrase 'ride pillion'.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pillion
    Supports: Rear motorcycle seat definition and etymology from Scottish Gaelic and Latin.
  3. Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/pillion
    Supports: Seat behind a motorcycle rider; broader vehicle usage.
  4. Oxford Learner's Dictionaries — https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/american_english/pillion
    Supports: Passenger seat behind a motorcycle driver.
  5. Britannica Dictionary — https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/pillion
    Supports: Chiefly British usage and adverbial 'ride pillion'.
  6. Wiktionary — https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pillion
    Supports: Etymology and extended definitions including passenger and riding sense.