jetty

¹ American  

[jet-ee] / ˈdʒɛt i /

noun

PLURAL

jetties

1. a pier or structure of stones, piles, or the like, projecting into the sea or other body of water to protect a harbor, deflect the current, etc.

2. a wharf or landing pier.

3. the piles or wooden structure protecting a pier.

4. Also an overhang, as of an upper story beyond a lower.

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verb (used with object)

jettied, jettying

1. to construct (part of a building) so that it projects beyond lower construction; jutty.

jetty ² American  

[jet-ee] / ˈdʒɛt i /

adjective

1. made of jet.

2. resembling jet, especially in color; of a deep black.

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jetty ¹ British  

/ ˈdʒɛtɪ /

noun

1. a structure built from a shore out into the water to direct currents or protect a harbour

2. a landing pier; dock

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jetty ² British  

/ ˈdʒɛtɪ /

adjective

1. of or resembling jet, esp in colour or polish

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Other Word Forms

• jettiness noun

Etymology

Origin of jetty¹

1375–1425; late Middle English get ( t ) ey < Old French jetee, literally, something thrown out, a projection, noun use of jetee, feminine past participle of jeter to throw; jet ¹

Origin of jetty²

First recorded in 1475–85; jet ² + -y ¹

Example Sentences

“I just had a surfer run up to the truck,” a lifeguard said on dispatch audio, “he’s saying there’s a dog that’s on the jetty.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Sneaker waves can unexpectedly run significantly farther up the beach than normal, including over rocks and jetties,” the weather service advised.

From Los Angeles Times

There are no jetties to sweep out the piling sediments, or buoys to mark a channel through the breakers.

From Seattle Times

Boardwalks, homes and roads and the jetties, sea walls and bulkheads constructed to protect them did little more than accelerate erosion.

From New York Times

Nobody seemed to mind the jetties near the surf zone that blocked much of the competition.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• seawall
• wharf