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

The shooting happened last Thursday as Gorman, 18, was walking with her friends near the pier at Tobey Prinz Beach at Pratt Boulevard to see the Northern Lights. —Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026

After a ship crash in 1980 that killed 35 people, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge was replaced, and the ends of the old bridge were repurposed as the two Tampa Bay fishing piers. —Carter Weinhofer, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026

On Monday, a memorial of bouquets had grown at the pier near where Gorman was killed. —Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026

Guests will have access to 150 feet of private shoreline (including a private dock complete with a pier, ramp, and float) as well as plenty of paths for afternoon strolls. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 19 Mar. 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