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
• wharf
• quay

Examples of pier in a Sentence

tied the boat up at the pier

Recent Examples on the Web

Most pier runners are travelers who opt to sightsee on their own. —Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2025

Then comes the biggest twist of the season so far — Gareth shows up at the pier and joins the others on the helicopter. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2025

The boat ramp, which also serves as a fishing pier, sits close to a part of the river that empties out into the Long Island Sound. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2025

The 600-foot-long pier in Avon is a hotspot for anglers and sunset and sunrise chasers alike. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 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