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 of pier

• dock
• wharf
• quay

Examples of pier in a Sentence

tied the boat up at the pier

Recent Examples on the Web

Strong longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties and other hazardous areas. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2026

People were urged to stay away from rocks, jetties and piers, and to never turn your back to the ocean. —Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 18 June 2026

But Itani believes that the location of the nest, built closer to the pier and on slightly higher ground than last year’s nest, protected the four eggs from storm surge. —Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026

By June 9, the city had demolished the cafe, which had sat at the pier’s base since the 1970s. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 15 June 2026

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