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

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic ship separated from the pier amid strong winds in Catania, Sicily in late May, causing a guest to fall from the gangway into the water. —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 17 June 2025

The Orcas Island sand sample can be found near the lifeguard headquarters north of the pier. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 17 June 2025

In 2010, tragedy struck again as the bridge caught fire just three weeks out from being restored to a public pier. —Mars King, Twin Cities, 15 June 2025

The park stretches four miles of riverfront space, with an extensive walking path and beautiful piers. —Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025

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