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

What thrilled Peter about the piers was the feeling of someone’s eyes on the back of the head, that unwashed smell. —Andrew Durbin, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026

Bang Bao is a fishing village built on wooden stilts that stretches between dramatic hills and along a lengthy pier on the southern tip of the island. —Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026

The Dali container ship crashed into a pier that supported the central span of the bridge in the early morning hours of March 26, 2024. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

The grounds deliver classic Italian luxury—formal gardens, a pool, private pier, and boathouse—all set against lake views. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 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