English Explanatory Dictionary

piñata

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A doll or other decorated container that is filled with candy and hit with a hammer or a stick by blindfolded children during birthday parties or other celebrations until the candy falls out.
  2. Something which is repeatedly hit or damaged over a period of time.
verb
  1. To hit something or someone with sticks after having filled them with candy.

Pronunciation

/pɪnˈjɑː.tə/ /pɪnˈjæ.tə/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-piñata.wav

Word forms

piñata piñatas pinata piñataing piñataed

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Italic *pīnos Latin pīnus Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ Proto-Indo-European *-eh₂ Proto-Italic *-ā Latin -a Latin pīnea Italian pigna Italian pignattabor. Spanish piñatabor. English piñata Unadapted borrowing from Mexican Spanish piñata, from piña (“pinecone”), from Latin pinea, because its paper cover (on traditional making) resembles one. Alternatively from Spanish via Italian pignatta (“clay pot”), from a Chinese custom allegedly introduced by Marco Polo.

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