pier

noun

\ ˈpir

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

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about pier

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Examples of pier in a Sentence

tied the boat up at the pier

Recent Examples on the Web

Eventually, the road peters out into the pier and the sea, where boys wade up to their waists, casting lines into the lazy surf. — Horatio Clare, Condé Nast Traveler, "Why You Should Go to Belize Now," 21 Dec. 2018 The 1950s house overlooks the Hudson River and is a 10 minute stroll to the town of Piermont, a 2,500-person village with a pier and walkable downtown. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "Midcentury fixer upper right outside of NYC asks $469K," 29 Aug. 2018 More than 500 sailors stood side-by-side on ships and piers to surprise him. — Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, The Seattle Times, "Pearl Harbor survivor who pushed to identify ‘unknowns’ dies," 20 Aug. 2018 Work on the bridges includes pavement patching, bridge joint replacement and repairs to the bridge deck, beams, piers and girders. — Kimberly Fornek, chicagotribune.com, "Oak Street Bridge and Chicago Avenue in Hinsdale to close for construction," 12 July 2018 The park has a boat launch, a small swimming area, a fishing pier and miles of looping trails for hiking and horseback riding. — Chelsey Lewis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin's highest point - Timm's Hill - is a quiet escape away from everything," 5 July 2018 The house has a pier-and-beam foundation, so prepping involved sliding two steel beams beneath the house in such a way that the load was properly balanced. — Richard A. Marini, San Antonio Express-News, "When moving day means moving the house," 31 May 2018 At the end of the island in Bokeelia there's a fishing pier and access to the first half is free. — Bonnie Gross, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Explore Florida's Lee County: Matlacha evolves from tiny fishing village to artsy town," 6 May 2018 The building in-orporates original bricks from the York Mountain Winery that were fired in kilns on-site way back when, while its wood beams once belonged to the circa-1872 pier in nearby Cayucos. — Matt Jaffe, Los Angeles Magazine, "Drinking Up the Local Flavor (and Wine) in Paso Robles," 30 Apr. 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.