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

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Examples of pier in a Sentence

tied the boat up at the pier

Recent Examples of pier from the Web

In this Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017 photo, a private submarine sits on a pier in Copenhagen harbor, Denmark.

— jan m. olsen, chicagotribune.com, "Police: DNA of headless torso matches Swedish journalist Kim Wall," 23 Aug. 2017
Thirteen Cuban migrants trying to reach U.S. shores were picked up by federal immigration authorities Wednesday just off the Dania Beach pier in Broward, a once common sight that during the last few months has become something of a novelty.

— glenn garvin, miamiherald, "13 Cuban migrants intercepted at sea just off Dania Beach pier," 23 Aug. 2017
A small beach and long fishing pier along Lake Michigan completed the picture.

— sue ellen ross, Post-Tribune, "Polka party like a 'big Polish wedding'," 14 Aug. 2017
Students sometimes dress in red gowns and wander down a 17th-century stone pier.

— howard swains, Town & Country, "How Scotland's University of St. Andrews Became a Top American School," 24 July 2017
Steak & Whisky Hermosa Beach, $$$$ This pier-adjacent chophouse is Tin Vuong’s (Little Sister) most regal project yet.

— garrett snyder, Los Angeles Magazine, "The Los Angeles Magazine Hot Restaurant List for July 2017," 18 July 2017
Imperial Beach along Seacoast Drive and near the pier on Evergreen Avenue.

— lisa deaderick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Imperial Beach Sun & Sea Festival," 13 July 2017
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.

— wayne parry, The Seattle Times, "‘Oyster wranglers’ scout rivers for signs of shellfish life," 4 July 2017
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.

— Washington Post, "‘Oyster wranglers’ scout rivers for signs of shellfish life," 4 July 2017

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

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First Known Use: 12th century

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pier Synonyms

Synonyms

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

Related Words

berth, mooring, slip; embarcadero [West]; 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

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pier

Definition of pier

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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

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