pier

noun

ˈpir 

1

: an intermediate support for the adjacent ends of two bridge spans

2

: a structure (such as a breakwater) extending into navigable water for use as a landing place or promenade or to protect or form a harbor

3

: a vertical structural support: such as

a

: the wall between two openings

b

: pillar, pilaster

c

: a vertical member that supports the end of an arch or lintel

d

: an auxiliary mass of masonry used to stiffen a wall

4

: a structural mount (as for a telescope) usually of stonework, concrete, or steel

Synonyms

• dock
• wharf
• quay

Examples of pier in a Sentence

tied the boat up at the pier

Recent Examples on the Web

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as jetties and piers. —Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025

There’s a 1,850 square-foot community amenity space, 25,000 square feet of waterfront open space and pier access and all stages have the technological infrastructure to adapt to virtual productions. —Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025

In Emerald Isle, worries wash out with the tides and hospitality always includes making room for one more fishing pole on the pier. —Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2025

In 2025, they were joined in Fiji by 4-year-old daughter Charlie and almost 2-year-old son Bud, who love creating drawings in mom’s office, hunting for hermit crabs on the beach and feeding fish from the pier. —Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English per, from Old English, from Medieval Latin pera

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pier

• pier glass
• pier table

Rhymes for pier

• beer
• bier
• cheer
• clear
• dear
• deer
• drear
• ear
• fear
• fier
• gear
• hear

Kids Definition

pier

noun

ˈpi(ə)r 

1

: a support for a bridge

2

: a structure built out into the water for use as a landing place or walk or to protect or form a harbor

3

: an upright supporting part (as a pillar or buttress) of a building or structure