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pier

noun
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\ ˈpir How to pronounce pier (audio) \

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 on the Web For pier-and-beam foundations, cover vents around the foundation. — Dallas News, "Everything you need to know about boil notices, frozen pipes," 17 Feb. 2021 In his very early preliminary thinking, Smith intends to preserve the Ferris wheel as a historical artifact -- not a working ride -- and hopes to save the concrete pier for use after it has been repaired. — Mary Jane Brewer, cleveland, "Chippewa Lake Amusement Park’s metamorphosis brings it back to nature," 13 Feb. 2021 The pier requires an entry fee, and a state fishing license is also required. — Staff Report, NOLA.com, "Hurricane Katrina destroyed this I-10 bridge. Soon it'll reopen as a fishing pier near Slidell," 7 Feb. 2021 According to the release, the pier has been closed since 2018. — Priscilla Aguirre, Chron, "Corpus Christi fishing pier reopens with new improvements," 5 Feb. 2021 The pier’s closure has also affected Pacifica businesses. — Momo Chang, San Francisco Chronicle, "As Pacifica Pier remains closed, Bay Area crabbers lose more than just a feast - a multigenerational community," 4 Feb. 2021 The pier, which opened in July, is a park, a playground, a beach, a marketplace. — Ellen Albanese, BostonGlobe.com, "The St. Pete Pier is part park, part playground, part marketplace — and all new," 3 Feb. 2021 In October 2020, to mark the anniversary of her death, Debbie visited the pier in Capitola where the family put a plaque many years ago. — Erin Moriarty, CBS News, "A killer's family helps detectives find victim's remains after 15 years," 30 Jan. 2021 The pier and the work zone is closed to the public. — Linda Gandee, cleveland, "Rocky River’s first construction update of 2021," 26 Jan. 2021

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.

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First Known Use of pier

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for pier

Middle English per, from Old English, from Medieval Latin pera

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Time Traveler for pier

Time Traveler

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

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Statistics for pier

Last Updated

25 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Pier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pier. Accessed 7 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for pier

pier

noun
How to pronounce pier (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of pier

: a structure that goes out from a shore into the water

See the full definition for pier in the English Language Learners Dictionary

pier

noun
\ ˈpir How to pronounce pier (audio) \

Kids Definition of pier

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on pier

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for 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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