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

Landmarks such as the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum on the north end and the pavilion and beach-flanked pier to the south give beachgoers a variety of destinations to shape lazy island days. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2025

The Santa Cruz Wharf reopened to visitors and businesses on Saturday, less than two weeks after crashing waves from a powerful storm collapsed more than 100 feet of the pier into the ocean. —Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2025

Santa Cruz’s beloved wharf reopened to the public Saturday, after about 150 feet of the pier’s end fell into the ocean last month and prompted the city to temporarily close the popular tourist destination. —Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2025

All the main visitor sites are five minutes away including the pier with its amusements, the Royal Pavilion, Sea Lanes swimming and the historic lanes with their shops and cafes. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025

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