jetty

¹ American  

[jet-ee] / ˈdʒɛt i /

noun

jetties plural

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

Derived Forms

• jettiness
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• jetties
  plural

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

Lakeland Arts, the arts and heritage charity that runs Windermere Jetty Museum, said it was "thrilled" to showcase the model.

From BBC • May 28, 2023

Off-grid solar projects face hurdles too, said Jetty Arlenda, an engineer with Sumba Sustainable Solutions .

From Seattle Times • May 14, 2023

Canopy USA will also take over Wana and Jetty, streamlining ownership.

From Reuters • Oct. 25, 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