pier

[peer]

noun

1. a structure built on posts extending from land out over water, used as a landing place for ships, an entertainment area, a strolling place, etc.; jetty.

2. (in a bridge or the like) a support for the ends of adjacent spans.

3. a square pillar.

4. a portion of wall between doors, windows, etc.

5. a pillar or post on which a gate or door is hung.

6. a support of masonry, steel, or the like for sustaining vertical pressure.

7. a long passageway or corridor that extends from a central area of a building, especially one at an airport that leads to boarding gates.

pier

/ pɪə /

noun

1. a structure with a deck that is built out over water, and used as a landing place, promenade, etc

2. a pillar that bears heavy loads, esp one of rectangular cross section

3. the part of a wall between two adjacent openings

4. another name for buttress

Other Word Forms

• underpier noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pier¹

before 1150; Middle English pere, earlier (perhaps late Old English ) per < Anglo-Latin pera, pēra pier of a bridge

Word History and Origins

Origin of pier¹

C12 per, from Anglo-Latin pera pier supporting a bridge

Example Sentences

It said strong gusts "pose a significant risk to safety" and appealed to the public to "exercise extreme caution, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts, piers and waterside paths".

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“Your criticizing the Secretary’s visit to the Pier is bizarre as she works to fix this issue for more than 1 million visitors that used to visit the pier,” McLaughlin added.

Read more on Salon

The base at Yulin has five new piers which appear to have been constructed in the last five years.

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They are also found around river mouths, estuaries and manmade structures like piers and groynes.

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I drove her to the Santa Monica pier, where we strolled and talked through the night.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dam 
• dock 
• jetty 
• promenade 
• wharf