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

The project continues to be supplied from the state pier in New London, which underwent a massive renovation to create the heavy lift capacity necessary for the offshore construction. — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 5 Nov. 2026

Walk alongside giant ornaments, snowflakes, and sleigh light displays dotting the pier, and get creative with free community craft workshops including edible snowmen, pinecone woodland creatures, paper bag puppets, and more. — Allison Yates, Midwest Living, 3 Nov. 2026

Predicting wave power Eco Wave Power already uses floating devices attached to piers and breakwaters to generate electricity from ocean waves. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026

Something like that happened during the historic storm of late January 1983, which occurred during one of the strongest El Niños on record and battered the coast up and down California, damaging many piers. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 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