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Synonyms

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.

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.

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
jetty 2 British  
/ ˈdʒɛtɪ /

adjective

  1. of or resembling jet, esp in colour or polish

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

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.

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

“He’s been out on that ocean, on that jetty thousands of times,” Vince said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2025

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

To the north-west is the new jetty jutting out into the ocean, which Mr Bashfield says could be used by Indian surface patrol vessels, as well as the ship that brings supplies to Agalega.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2024

‘I’ll help you,’ I say, following her on to the wooden jetty, and we walk quickly to the end of it.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.