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

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

Examples of pier in a Sentence

tied the boat up at the pier

Recent Examples on the Web

The club itself doesn’t own boats, but some of its members’ boats are kept at piers on the water, with others on a grassy vacant lot behind the clubhouse. —Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025

In 2026, the pier at Celebration Key will add two more berths so a total of four Carnival ships can dock at the same time. —Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025

Hazards include dangerous currents near piers; frequent, forceful waves; rip currents; and longshore currents. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025

The pier has a great vantage point for launches on the Space Coast—stay up to date on what’s taking off with this guide. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 8 June 2025

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