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

Back in the 80s, The Face focused in on new romanticism, a short-lived subculture that combined elements of punk and glam rock, but without the nihilism and anti-fashion pillars of Punk. — Scarlett Newman, Teen Vogue, "The Youth Culture Magazine That Put Naomi Campbell and Missy Elliot on the Cover Is Relaunching," 1 Apr. 2019 Fashion has emerged in the last decade as one of the most, if not the most influential pillar of popular culture. — Eric Johnson, Recode, "Colin Kaepernick’s Nike ads are just one piece of a bigger ‘reckoning’ in the fashion industry," 20 Sep. 2018 The euro, as such, is a pillar of the EADS/Airbus success story in the past 20 years. — Robert Wall, WSJ, "As Airbus Turns 50, a Look Back at the Role of the Euro," 20 Jan. 2019 Addressing the opioid epidemic is a pillar of the first lady’s Be Best youth initiative. — Deb Riechmann, The Seattle Times, "First lady calls opioids ‘worst drug crisis’ in US history," 28 Nov. 2018 Doria is said to enjoy a close relationship with Harry and continues to be a pillar of strength for Meghan. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Doria Ragland Visited Meghan Markle and Prince Harry This Summer," 9 Sep. 2018 Doria is said to enjoy a close relationship with Harry and continues to be a pillar of strength for Meghan. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Doria Ragland Visited Meghan Markle and Prince Harry This Summer and We All Missed It," 8 Sep. 2018 The issue has served as a flashpoint in the six-term secretary’s primary fight with Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim, who has made voting issues a central pillar of his challenge and pushed on the city level for same-day registration. — Matt Stout, BostonGlobe.com, "SJC upholds 20-day voter registration deadline in Mass.," 2 July 2018 At the top of the central pillar is a seventh window that has been left uncolored. — Inga Saffron, Philly.com, "What the new Salvation Army memorial tells us about Philadelphia's building boom," 12 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.