jetty
1 Americannoun
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jetties
plural
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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.
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a wharf or landing pier.
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the piles or wooden structure protecting a pier.
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Also an overhang, as of an upper story beyond a lower.
verb (used with object)
noun
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a structure built from a shore out into the water to direct currents or protect a harbour
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a landing pier; dock
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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
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."
Vocabulary lists containing jetty
Physical Geography - Middle School
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Physical Geography - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The jagged wood pilings are likely from railroad trestles installed to carry boulders out to the existing jetty.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026
Because it protrudes at a slight angle, swells approaching from the south or southwest bounce off the jetty and mutate into triangular peaks—hence the spot’s name.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026
The material exposed at the Wedge surf spot in Newport Beach by powerful swells is believed to be part of an old jetty that was constructed decades ago.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 24, 2026
"I hope that more ships are added and the jetty too is expanded, which is in a bad state," said Usman, 15, who was also travelling from Chowra to his home at Car Nicobar.
From Barron's ● May 18, 2026
Out in the harbor, the jetty has been shattered in multiple places.
From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
Some of the newly uncovered objects are from the city’s unsuccessful attempts to build jetties in the early 1900s, before the Army Corps of Engineers took over, said local historian William Lobdell.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026
Authorities have recommended measures including providing safer boats and life jackets, dredging waterways, deploying water guards at jetties and terminals, and ensuring boat operators are properly trained and licensed.
From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026
Army Corps of Engineers built a pair of jetties to stop beach erosion and protect oceanfront homes near the entrance of Newport Harbor.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026
"We are going to augment facilities -- either by reconstruction, or construction of new jetties," he said, underlining that his service's mandate is to "touch every island".
From Barron's ● May 18, 2026
When the waves are rolling in, my friends are the jetties.
From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
A number of questions crowded to Gregory's mind, as they crossed the jettied inlet and headed down the coast.
From El Diablo by Dan Sayre Groesbeck
One of the ships lay at the little island of Onroost, which is piled and jettied all around, and contained a small and compact repairing yard for merchant vessels of all nations.
From The Life of Admiral Viscount Exmouth by Edward Osler
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