pillar

1 of 2

noun

pil·​lar ˈpi-lər How to pronounce pillar (audio)
1
a
: a firm upright support for a superstructure : post entry 1
b
: a usually ornamental column or shaft
especially : one standing alone for a monument
2
a
: 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
pillarless adjective

pillar

2 of 2

verb

pillared; pillaring; pillars

transitive verb

: to provide or strengthen with or as if with pillars
Phrases
from pillar to post
: from one place or one predicament to another

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
However, there were occasionally times when these pillars of Grandma’s week would converge in the way of a church potluck. Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2024 Authenticity is a pillar of breaking and hip hop, and her performance at the Olympics was a master class in bringing your own style and personality to the highest level of the craft. Jason Pu, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
Analysts have tempered expectations that large-scale fiscal stimulus would directly pillar consumption, instead noting how struggling local governments would likely get support first. Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024 Among these, the People pillar—upgrading talent—can be the most challenging yet vital step. Mamie Jones, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pillar 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English piler, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin pilare, from Latin pila

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1787, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pillar was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near pillar

Cite this Entry

“Pillar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pillar. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

pillar

1 of 2 noun
pil·​lar ˈpil-ər How to pronounce pillar (audio)
1
: a firm upright support (as for a roof)
2
: a column or shaft standing alone (as for a monument)
3
: a supporting or important member or part
a pillar of society

pillar

2 of 2 verb
: to provide or support with or as if with pillars
a long pillared hall

Medical Definition

pillar

noun
pil·​lar ˈpil-ər How to pronounce pillar (audio)
: a body part likened to a pillar or column (as the margin of the external inguinal ring)
specifically : pillar of the fauces

More from Merriam-Webster on pillar

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