Finesentence

Piggy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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piggy

pig-gy

🇺🇸 /ˈpɪɡi/ · 🇬🇧 /pˈɪɡi/

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal

A piggy is a young pig, especially one that has not been weaned.

Synonyms

pig, piglet, pigling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
piggy

This is a repetition error. It has the same meaning and usage as the first 'piggy'.

  • See above for examples.
piglet

Specifically used to refer to a baby pig. It's a neutral and common term when talking about young pigs.

  • The piglet followed its mother around the pen.
  • Watching the piglets play is so adorable.
pigling

Less commonly used term referring to a young pig. It often appears in literature or historical texts rather than in everyday conversation.

  • The farmer found a lost pigling in the field.
  • The story included a pigling that wandered off from its litter.
pig

Used generally to refer to the animal as a whole, without specific connotations. It is a straightforward term that describes the domestic animal commonly found on farms.

  • The pig is rolling in the mud.
  • Pigs can be intelligent and social animals.

Examples of usage

  • He was playing with a litter of piggies on the farm.
  • The little girl loved to feed the piggy apples.
  • The piggy squealed happily when it saw the farmer approaching.
  • The piggy rolled around in the mud with its siblings.
  • The piggy's tail wagged excitedly as it ate its meal.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A piggy can also refer to a small container, typically in the shape of a pig, used for storing coins.

Synonyms

coin bank, money box.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
piggy

Informal and often friendly term used to describe a small container, usually in the shape of a pig, where coins are saved. It’s commonly used when talking to children.

  • Let’s put your spare change in your piggy so you can save up for something special.
  • My daughter loves feeding her piggy with coins.
coin bank

A more generic and neutral term, suitable for adult and professional settings. It refers to any container designed to hold and save coins.

  • I bought a coin bank to save all the loose change I accumulate.
  • For his birthday, he received a beautiful glass coin bank.
money box

Commonly used term that can be applied in both casual and formal contexts. It refers to any box or container used to save money.

  • She has a money box where she deposits her weekly savings.
  • Every child should have a money box to learn about saving.

Examples of usage

  • She dropped a coin into the piggy on her dresser.
  • He smashed his piggy to get money for the movie tickets.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “piggy”

Piggy is a 2-syllable noun (pig-gy). It is pronounced /ˈpɪɡi/ in American English and /pˈɪɡi/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 5 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #30,120 among the most common English words.

Did you know?

“piggy” in cultural significance

  • In many cultures, pigs are seen as symbols of luck and prosperity, often represented in art and folklore.
  • The phrase 'when pigs fly' implies something unlikely or impossible, showing how pigs can capture imagination in language.

“piggy” in folklore and literature

  • The story of 'The Three Little Pigs' teaches lessons about hard work and resourcefulness through the adventures of three pig siblings.
  • In children’s nursery rhymes, pigs are often personified, like in 'This Little Piggy,' making them relatable and fun for kids.

“piggy” in science and behavior

  • Pigs are highly intelligent animals, often compared in intelligence to dogs, capable of learning tricks and solving puzzles.
  • They have a unique social behavior and form strong bonds with each other and humans, leading to friendships similar to dogs.

Origin of 'piggy'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Piggy' comes from the old English word 'pig,' which meant a young swine.
  • The term dates back to at least the 14th century, evolving to refer to small, cute pigs, especially in children’s stories.

The word 'piggy' originated in Middle English as 'pigge', which was used to refer to a young pig. Over time, the term evolved to 'piggy' to specifically denote a young pig. In informal contexts, 'piggy' also came to refer to a small container for storing coins, likely due to the common pig-shaped design of such containers.

See also: pig, pigheaded, piglet, pigling, pigment, pigpen, pigsty.

Rhymes

Piggy rhymes with twiggy, biggie, figgie and griggy.

See all rhymes →

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,120 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.