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

And the hotel's location couldn’t be better: it is directly connected to the IFC Mall and just a short walk from the ferry piers. —Livia Hengel, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

The Fish Market is one of the top-grossing restaurants in the country but had to move from its longtime home on a wooden pier to make way for construction of West Harbor. —Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024

Heading northeast, the trail cuts 14 hilly miles from Fort Funston to the piers of The Embarcadero, summiting San Francisco’s 922-foot Twin Peaks in the process. —Miles Howard, Outside Online, 17 Oct. 2024

A couple of Swiss francs will grant you access to the pier, swimming areas, diving boards, and changing areas. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 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