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 Balboa Pier, which Webb said has always been more of a tourist pier, was built in 1906 as the sister project to the Balboa Pavilion. —Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026

The Navy sometimes refers to the ships as floating piers. —Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026

Rides at the pier date back to the 1920s, but they were shut down in 1930. —Sari Hitchins, Parents, 8 Mar. 2026

The Malibu oceanfront corner one-bedroom suites are standouts for their floor-to-ceiling windows and posh dining areas with stellar views of the beach and the nearby pier that lights up the night sky with its kaleidoscopic Ferris wheel. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 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