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
• float
• jetty
• landing
• levee
• quai
• quay
• wharf

Examples of pier in a Sentence

tied the boat up at the pier

Recent Examples on the Web

Bring a bike to pedal 4.5 miles on the Washington Ditch Trail to reach the pier for far-reaching lake views. —Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024

On the tip of the pier, Les Perles de Monte-Carlo is the brainchild of two biologists who wanted to introduce oyster farming in the principality. —Lane Nieset, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

Joe shared that Ethel's stroke followed an enjoyable summer from spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to having lunch and dinners with family and visiting the pier. —Charmaine Patterson, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024

The pier partially collapsed into the Delaware River earlier this year. —Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 26 Sep. 2024

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

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