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

The hotel piers, often booked out for photo opportunities, also stood empty. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 20 May 2025

Inshore Fishing Florida boasts an abundance of beautiful flats, beaches, piers, and shorelines to enjoy invigorating, plentiful, inshore fishing year-round. —Jp Shaffer, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025

As midnight approached, the broken ship was moved slowly up the East River, going under and past the Manhattan Bridge, aided by a series of tugboats, before docking at a pier. —Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2025

However, several primitive campsites, boat ramps, and fishing piers sprinkled across the area give plenty of access to enjoy the lake at your leisure. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 16 May 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

Rhymes for pier

• beer
• bier
• cheer
• clear
• dear
• deer
• drear
• ear
• fear
• fier
• gear
• hear

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