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

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

At the dimly lit town market, a few hundred metres from the jetty, the stalls are still well stocked with fish, shrimp and blue crabs.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

Robert Smithson had bulldozed dirt and rocks to build a spiral jetty coiling out into Utah’s Great Salt Lake.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025

The jetty there was damaged and under water, we were told.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2024

We had planned to spend three days in Havelock and in the morning we packed snacks and sandwiches, gathered excited children and headed out to catch the ferry from Phoenix Bay jetty in Port Blair.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2024

“We started running at the same place, but you left me behind back by the jetty where it was like you pushed a turbo button or something. You run like a machine. It’s crazy.”

From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Related Words

• seawall
• wharf