pier

noun

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
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

Examples of pier in a Sentence

tied the boat up at the pier
Recent Examples on the Web Large ships will dock at the pier and offload their cargo to smaller vessels, which would ferry shipments to the causeway and from there into Gaza. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024 The maritime corridor was announced the day after President Biden said the United States would build a temporary port and pier off the coast of Gaza. Adam Taylor, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 The Israeli military will help coordinate the installation of the pier, a spokesman for the Israeli military, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said on Saturday. Andrew Jacobs, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2024 The port charges $20,000 to $27,500 a year for private use of the other piers, public records show. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2024 The president announced in his speech Thursday that the U.S. military would help establish a temporary pier aimed at boosting the amount of aid getting into the territory. Josh Boak, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2024 But now, using ground-penetrating radar, archaeologists from the Norwegian University of Stavanger’s Museum of Archaeology have located a cluster of pit houses and piers where Viking Age locals might have shopped and traded 1,000 years ago. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Mar. 2024 The streets lead to a pale-sand public beach with a fishing pier, a charming park, and glistening views of the delicate and pristine Gulf Islands. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2024 Fried squash blossoms at Funke in Beverly Hills Ana Lui Chef-owner Evan Funke Ana Lui In 1933, Mrs. Rosamond Borde opened The Georgian in Santa Monica, just across from the iconic pier. Jason Sheeler, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pier.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pier was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near pier

Cite this Entry

“Pier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pier. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pier

noun
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

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