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 team conducted dozens of complete exercises at sea, along with demonstrations at the pier. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026

Under Spanish rule, able-bodied Malay men, from teenagers to adults, were required to perform 40 days of unpaid annual labor on roads, bridges, churches, forts, piers, plantations, haciendas and mines. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Georgina Rodríguez went formal at a photo-op outside the Hotel Excelsior on the Venice Lido pier during the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on Friday in Venice. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026

Boat houses, boat landings, docks, piers and mooring posts must be built according to plans approved by the village council and require a Miami-Dade County environmental permit. — Luisa Yanez updated September 3, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 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