pier

noun

ˈpir 

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 of pier

• dock
• wharf
• quay

Examples of pier in a Sentence

tied the boat up at the pier

Recent Examples on the Web

Shaking from a quake could damage wharves, piers, buildings and roadway above the seawall. — Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Imperial Beach is home to a pier with a lookout point, for example, where travelers can feel the sea breeze and see the San Diego coastline. — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026

New Choose a hilltop, pier, rooftop, open field, lakeshore, or neighborhood park, pack a blanket, and watch the sky change colors. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 20 July 2026

Teigen was seen in one photo sitting outdoors by a pier in Norway with her four kids, her arms around Miles and Esti, while Luna sat beside the trio, hugging her little brother Wren. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing pier

• pier glass
• pier table

Rhymes for pier

• beer
• bier
• cheer
• clear
• dear
• deer
• drear
• ear
• fear
• fier
• gear
• hear

Kids Definition

pier

noun

ˈpi(ə)r 

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