pilón

large basin

noun pee-LOHN Rare

Origin: Augmentative of pila (basin, pile)

Also means

mortar pillar; lollipop (Mexico)

Usage Note

Pilón has notably different meanings by region: in Spain it is a large stone drinking trough or basin (often a public fountain); in Mexico it is the word for a lollipop or hard candy on a stick, and also for a small extra given free by a shopkeeper (a 'little bonus'). Context is essential to avoid confusion.

Examples

"Los caballos bebían agua del pilón de la plaza."

Natural Translation

The horses drank water from the square's basin.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

El or La? Spanish Noun Gender Rules Made Simple

El or la? Spanish noun gender is ~99% readable off the word's ending. Learn the o/a defaults, LONERS, feminine endings, and the handful of rebels to memorize.

June 3, 2026 7 min read

SpanishNow

How to Say "You" in Spanish: Tú, Usted, Vos & Vosotros

Spanish has five words for "you": tú, usted, vos, vosotros, and ustedes. Learn which to use by who you're talking to and where — plus the verb endings.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Accent Marks: 3 Rules for Every Word

A Spanish word needs an accent mark in just three cases: it breaks the default stress, it's a homophone, or a weak vowel splits off. Here are all three rules.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Tener in Spanish: Why You're Hungry, Cold & 30 Years

In Spanish you HAVE hunger, cold, and 30 years — not are them. Master tener expressions like tengo hambre, tengo frío, and tengo 30 años in one rule.

June 9, 2026 5 min read