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

It was then offloaded onto a pier at Naval Base Coronado. —Kristina Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025

New piers can be seen extending from wharves in a boost to docking capacity. —Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025

South Pointe Park, on the southern tip of Miami Beach, is another sweet beach spot for a swim—or walk along the 450-foot-long pier here to join the crowds waving off departing cruise ships. —Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 29 Jan. 2025

Pensioners walk along the pier in Deal, UK, on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. —Chloe Taylor,jenni Reid, CNBC, 29 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