pier

noun

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
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

Examples of pier in a Sentence

tied the boat up at the pier
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The open men’s and women’s national champions are expected to be awarded the Mayor’s Cup at about 4:30 p.m. on the south side of the pier. Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 3 July 2025 Bill Smith, a regular on the pier, again took these baits out in a small boat and dropped them well away from the pier. Donald Millus, Outdoor Life, 3 July 2025 Strong longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties and other hazardous areas. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025 At Island Pier, tiger sharks are showing little interest in beachgoers away from the pier. Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pier

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pier was in the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pier. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

pier

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on pier

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!