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

Quad can be heard asking, as the couple walk hand-in-hand down a pier. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024

The Rod & Reel Pier, located just off North Shore Drive in Anna Maria—the northernmost town on Anna Maria Island—suffered significant damage to its pier with Hurricane Helene in September. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2024

The city’s namesake beach, for example, offers west-facing lookouts with a waterfront open until 10 P.M. The piers that bookend the shore, Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier, both look straight toward the comet and remain open until midnight. —Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 8 Oct. 2024

One scene in which JJ and Kiera jump off a pier in episode 3 was filmed on Wrightsville Beach on Crystal Pier. —Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024

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

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