πιπίλα
pipíla/piˈpila/feminine
The Greek word for pacifier is πιπίλα (pipíla).
Meaning: for a baby (noun)
Which one should you use?
πιπίλα is the standard term, while σουσουρούκι is used in informal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
πιπίλα is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
pipíla
Did you know?
- In Greek, the word for 'pacifier' is intrinsically linked to the biological act of nursing, rather than the 'peace' or 'pacifying' root found in the English word.
- The informal term σουσουρούκι is derived from σουσου, a nursery word used to soothe infants that mimics the rhythmic sound of shushing.
- The word πιπίλα comes from the Byzantine Greek verb πιπιλίζω, which specifically meant 'to suckle'.
Examples in context
- Το μωρό θέλει την πιπίλα του.To moro thelei tin pipila tou.The baby wants his pacifier.
- Η πιπίλα είναι καθαρή;I pipila einai kathari;Is the pacifier clean?
Example conversation
Parents are preparing the baby for a nap.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΚυριακή, έχεις την πιπίλα;Kyriaki, echeis tin pipila?Kyriaki, do you have the pacifier?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΌχι, Γιώργο, την έχεις εσύ;Ochi, Giorgo, tin echeis esy?No, Giorgo, do you have it?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΤην βρήκα εδώ στον καναπέ.Tin vrika edo ston kanape.I found it here on the sofa.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΤέλεια, δώσε την στο μωρό.Teleia, dose tin sto moro.Great, give it to the baby.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pacifier” translations and entries πιπίλα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries πιπίλα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
