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 of pier

• dock
• wharf
• quay

Examples of pier in a Sentence

tied the boat up at the pier

Recent Examples on the Web

Courtney also urged the Navy to develop ways to decommission and refit ships at pier side in order to free dry dock space. — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026

Smith Point Park stairs to the surf were wiped out and at Jones Beach, the berm held up but parts of the fishing pier were knocked down. — Jennifer McLogan, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

Hyatt Regency Aruba rounds out its culinary offerings with a juice bar and pizza truck on the beach, a breakfast buffet, an outdoor café, and a pier serving cocktails and light snacks. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026

Benioff left a tiny gap between one of the piers and the pipe. — Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 25 Sep. 2026

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