pillar

noun

pil·lar | \ ˈpi-lər

Definition of pillar

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a firm upright support for a superstructure : post

b : a usually ornamental column or shaft especially : one standing alone for a monument

2a : a supporting, integral, or upstanding member or part a pillar of society

b : a fundamental precept the five pillars of Islam

3 : a solid mass of coal, rock, or ore left standing to support a mine roof

4 : a body part that resembles a column

from pillar to post

: from one place or one predicament to another

pillar

verb

pillared; pillaring; pillars

Definition of pillar (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to provide or strengthen with or as if with pillars

Other Words from pillar Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about pillar

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Examples of pillar in a Sentence

Noun

the ancient Greek temple boasted graceful marble pillars with richly ornamented tops my father has been my pillar throughout this crisis

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Some flanked Grande at a long table, reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, while others posed by the massive pillars and galaxy background behind the tableau. — Andrea Park, Glamour, "Ariana Grande's 2018 MTV VMAs Performance of "God Is a Woman" Featured 50 Diverse Female Dancers," 20 Aug. 2018 Such job-market strength is a critical pillar for consumer spending. — Sarah Chaney, WSJ, "U.S. Labor Market Powers On Despite Growth Concerns," 24 Jan. 2019 Most importantly, the pillars of the brand are rooted in good-for-you formulas. — Maya Allen, Marie Claire, "7 All-Natural Makeup Brands With Products That Are Actually Amazing," 14 Jan. 2019 Built in 1665, the church features 17th-century murals of Saint Dévote, the patron saint of the Principality, and gilded pillars. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, "How Monaco’s Royal Family Spent Christmas This Year," 4 Jan. 2019 Wood ceilings and chrome-like pillars make a statement inside with plenty of views thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "Three-tiered glass masterpiece asks $16.8M," 26 Dec. 2018 Visibility out the back windows is compromised slightly by a sloping roofline and large C pillars. — Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, "Review: GMC Terrain gives you the ride you want—at a price," 23 Dec. 2018 Photo: Joshua Roberts/REUTERS U.S. stock exchanges have long used their status as pillars of American capitalism to get their way in Washington. — Gretchen Morgenson, WSJ, "SEC Ruling Takes Aim at Stock-Exchange Profits," 16 Oct. 2018 This was the era of civil religion, when the idea of faith as a pillar of patriotism was widely affirmed. — Jeet Heer, The New Republic, "David Brooks needs a name for his new religion.," 13 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

All six of the new Yuletide scents start at just $2 and come in various sizes from tiny tea lights and votive lights to pillar candles and large jars. — Jessica Leigh Mattern, Country Living, "The 2018 Yankee Candle Christmas Scents Have Arrived and We Are So Ready," 5 Oct. 2018 The former governor of California took the oak in the marble pillared chambers of the Supreme Court. — Sacbee, sacbee.com, "Warren sworn in as U.S. chief justice," 19 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pillar.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.