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

• dock
• float
• jetty
• landing
• levee
• quai
• quay
• wharf

Examples of pier in a Sentence

tied the boat up at the pier

Recent Examples on the Web

Officials suggested the temporary floating pier, built by the U.S., is no longer essential for Gaza's supply of food, water and other humanitarian aid because of key border crossings that have recently reopened during the Israel-Hamas war. —Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 12 July 2024

The first flick showed the three of them on a small pier above the ocean. —Emma Aerin Becker, Peoplemag, 11 July 2024

Substructure and piers will be mechanically broken apart or blasted — at which point pieces would be recovered from the river bottom, per the letter. —Hayes Gardner, Baltimore Sun, 8 July 2024

Trees, homes, piers, disrupted or severely damaged. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2024

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

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