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; see jet ¹

Origin of jetty²

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

Explanation

A jetty is a narrow structure that's built to stretch from land out into the water. Some jetties act as docks or piers for boats. A man-made jetty is often a protective barrier against beach erosion, and it also provides pedestrians access to boats or fishing areas. Jetties are generally made of concrete, wood, or stone. Jetty comes from the French jetee, which means both "a throw" and "a projecting part of a structure," or "a part that's 'thrown out' beyond the main structure."

Example Sentences

El Segundo is already a legit surfing town, known for its custom surfboard shapers and waves at El Segundo Beach Jetty.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 25, 2025

FortisBC, one of the companies behind the Tilbury Marine Jetty project, said it welcomed the clarity the framework provides for LNG development and "looked forward to engaging with government" on the 2030 guidelines.

From Reuters • Mar. 17, 2023

On October 29, Michael McGirr had been due to pick up his friends at the Rossigh Jetty and when he did not arrive the alarm was raised.

From BBC • Nov. 12, 2022

During her life at the zoo, Calli was bred with a male sea lion named Jetty.

From Washington Post • Sep. 19, 2022

Jetty is like this big arm made of rocks that pokes out into the harbor and protects it from waves whenever there’s a storm.

From "The Young Man and the Sea" by Rodman Philbrick

Related Words

• seawall
• wharf