Definition of pillar
1a : a firm upright support for a superstructure : postb : 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 societyb : 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
pillarless
adjectivefrom pillar to post
: from one place or one predicament to another
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Examples of pillar in a Sentence
the ancient Greek temple boasted graceful marble pillars with richly ornamented tops
my father has been my pillar throughout this crisis
Origin and Etymology of pillar
Middle English piler, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin pilare, from Latin pila
First Known Use: 13th century
pillar
Definition of pillar
transitive verb
: to provide or strengthen with or as if with pillars
1787
First Known Use of pillar
1787
PILLAR Defined for English Language Learners
pillar
playDefinition of pillar for English Language Learners
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: a large post that helps to hold up something (such as a roof)
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: someone who is an important member of a group
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: a basic fact, idea, or principle of something
PILLAR Defined for Kids
pillar
playDefinition of pillar for Students
1 : a large post that supports something (as a roof)
2 : a single column built as a monument
3 : a supporting or important member or part He was a pillar of society.
4 : something that resembles a column in shape pillars of smoke
Medical Dictionary
pillar
playMedical Definition of pillar
: a body part likened to a pillar or column (as the margin of the external inguinal ring); specifically : pillar of the fauces
Learn More about pillar
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See words that rhyme with pillar Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pillar Spanish Central: Translation of pillar Nglish: Translation of pillar for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of pillar for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pillar
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