NYT Dictionary

PITON

/ˈpiːˌtɒn/
NounVerbPI-tonpi-ton · 2 syllablesGrade 8

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2025

Meaning

A spike, wedge, or peg that is driven into a rock or ice surface as a support (as for a mountain climber).

Etymology

Origin: French

Etymology tree Occitan pitt- French -on French pitonbor. English piton Borrowed from French piton (“nail”).

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 4 recorded puzzles:

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