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 asa : the wall between two openingsb : pillar, pilasterc : a vertical member that supports the end of an arch or linteld : an auxiliary mass of masonry used to stiffen a wall
4 : a structural mount (as for a telescope) usually of stonework, concrete, or steel
Read the Latest from M-W
Examples of pier in a Sentence
tied the boat up at the pier
Recent Examples of pier from the Web
-
Imperial Beach along Seacoast Drive and near the pier on Evergreen Avenue.
-
Baykeeper is allowed to grow oysters off the pier at the Earle Naval Weapons Station, which is guarded around the clock by gun-wielding patrol boats.
-
Baykeeper is allowed to grow oysters off the pier at the Earle Naval Weapons Station, which is guarded around the clock by gun-wielding patrol boats.
-
Pier 1 Imports’ new chief executive officer Alasdair James may have a tougher job ahead of him than Wall Street expected.
-
Gay bars sprung up across the neighborhood and artists flocked to the piers.
-
The lake features a boat ramp, fishing pier, restrooms, concessions, bait and tackle and primitive camping.
-
The ship was last seen near the pier, flanked by the two tugboats that helped it return from the site of the collision off the eastern coast of Japan.
-
The Waesche is scheduled to moor at a pier on Alameda’s Coast Guard Island at 10 a.m. Monday.
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
PIER Defined for English Language Learners
pier
playDefinition of pier for English Language Learners
-
: a structure that goes out from a shore into the water
PIER Defined for Kids
pier
playDefinition 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).
Writing? Check your grammar now!