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

Walk Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier Extending more than 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, this iconic fishing pier is a must-see for all Wrightsville Beach visitors. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2025

Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa Sitting at the end of a 600-foot-long pier next to the Astoria-Megler Bridge, the Cannery Pier Hotel is an icon of the town waterfront with its industrial smokestacks and fire engine-red facade. —Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025

Members of North County’s Chapter 31 of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association have died, but their names are engraved on the memorial at the end of the pier. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Nov. 2025

On Saturday, well over 100 people came out to a concrete pier that juts out into the lake to catch a glimpse. —CBS News, 25 Nov. 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