Pinatas

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A decorated container, often made of papier-mâché, filled with sweets and toys, intended to be broken open during festivities
2. A festive object, typically shaped like an animal or character, that is filled with treats and broken as part of a celebration
3. A vibrant, often colorful, item used in parties where participants strike it to release candies and prizes inside

Etymology: "Pinatas" is simply the plural of "pinata," so the word's history is the history of that singular form. "Pinata" entered English from Spanish, where it denotes the decorated container that party-goers strike to spill out sweets and small gifts. The plural follows the English habit of adding a final "s," which is why "pinatas" appears in everyday use whenever a party has more than one of them.

Synonyms: festive containers, candy-filled figures