pier

noun \ ˈpir \

|Updated on: 14 Aug 2018

Definition of pier

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

See pier defined for English-language learners

See pier defined for kids

Examples of pier in a Sentence

tied the boat up at the pier

Recent Examples of pier from the Web

These days, vacationers use white clapboard cabins to store beach gear—as much a Noirmoutier symbol as the pier at Bois de la Chaise.

— mary winston nicklin, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Small Island Where the Tour de France Begins Is Actually a Vacationer's Paradise," 3 July 2018
Warning to those heading to California Adventure in the weeks after Pixar Pier opens: Arrive early, hit the pier first and then stay away the rest of the day.

— scott craven, USA TODAY, "'Toy Story' ride to temporarily close at Disney California Adventure, new Pixar Pier coming," 8 June 2018
Newton Park also has a playground and a long wooden pier to spy on alligators and turtles.

— stephen hudak, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Winter Garden buys lakefront properties, envisions 'nicest park on Lake Apopka'," 8 June 2018
After hitting the pier with its tail, the whale swims away.

— josh magness, miamiherald, "He was on a fishing pier when he saw a 'wave.' A whale was coming his way, video shows," 21 Apr. 2018
Dine or stay in new luxury hotels like The Ivy or the Sagamore Pendry, in a landmark building on a pier from 1914.

— New York Times, "Place 19 of 52: A Celebration of African-American Culture in Baltimore," 29 June 2018
The seeds of a radical idea were planted shortly after at Shellback Tavern—a beachside watering hole gracing the edge of the Manhattan Beach pier.

— max meyer, SI.com, "Chase Budinger Rediscovers Volleyball Dream After NBA Career," 26 June 2018
Located on the western end of the pier, the lush and colorful Inside Out Headquarters will be the future home of Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind!

— kara nesvig, Teen Vogue, "Disney to Launch "Inside Out" Ride," 23 June 2018
More than 500 sailors stood side-by-side on ships and on a pier to greet Emory, who arrived on a golf cart.

— audrey mcavoy, Fox News, "Pearl Harbor survivor says goodbye upon leaving Hawaii," 19 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pier.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of pier

Middle English per, from Old English, from Medieval Latin pera

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

pier Synonyms

Synonyms

dock, float, jetty, landing, levee, quay, wharf;

Related Words

berth, mooring, slip;

dockyard, marina, quayage, shipyard, wharfage;

Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, lee, port, starboard, stay

PIER Defined for English Language Learners

pier

noun

Definition of pier for English Language Learners

: a structure that goes out from a shore into the water

PIER Defined for Kids

pier

noun \ ˈpir \

Definition of pier for Students

1 : a support for a bridge

2 : a structure built out into the water as a place for boats to dock or for people to walk or to protect or form a harbor

Learn More about pier

See words that rhyme with pier Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pier Spanish Central: Translation of pier Nglish: Translation of pier for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of pier for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pier

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up pier? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

pier

Definition of pier

Examples of pier in a Sentence

Recent Examples of pier from the Web

Origin and Etymology of pier

pier Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Other Nautical Terms

PIER Defined for English Language Learners

pier

Definition of pier for English Language Learners

PIER Defined for Kids

pier

Definition of pier for Students

Learn More about pier

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Trending: Manafort Guilty on 8 Charges, 'Mistrial' on Others

Putting 'Myself' Where 'Me' or 'I' Usually Goes

10 Words for the Elitists in Your Life

Difficult Spelling Words Quiz

Ghost Word