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

White women in sportswear jogged along the pier. —Bryan Washington, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025

The incident happened between Tower 1 and the pier, but seasonal staffing ended Labor Day, and no one was stationed at Tower 1. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025

From Benzie County to Allegan County, Lake Michigan conditions are unsafe for swimmers (including beach walkers near piers) as waves will range from 2-6 feet high with rip currents. —Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025

The ship will be taken to the outfitting pier, where the construction will be completed, per the behind the scenes video. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 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