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

Grab tacos from the poolside food truck, or cast a line off the Bayview fishing pier. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2026

Orsted has signed a 10-year lease on the pier, across the harbor from Electric Boat, for millions more. —Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2026

The private destination recently received upgrades with a brand-new pier, a 28,000-square-foot heated pool with swim-up bars, a kids’ splash area and the adults-only Vibe Shore Club. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2026

Several landslides then occurred north of the pier, shutting down rail service on several occasions and also damaging the city’s historic Casa Romantica and destroying the popular Mariposa Bridge. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 15 Jan. 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