pier

American  

[peer] / pɪər /

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.

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pier British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• underpier noun

Etymology

Origin of pier

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

Explanation

A pier is a platform reaching out to sea that can be used as a landing place for ships. If you enjoy sea fishing and don't have a boat, try casting your line from the end of the pier. Pier has two meanings. The most common is for the platform, often wooden, that extends over water away from shore, so that ships can dock. Many seaside towns have turned their piers into entertainment districts, with games and places to stroll. A pier can also be a pillar that supports a bridge.

Example Sentences

The pier was widely viewed as a failure: It repeatedly broke apart due to bad weather, was operational for only 20 days and cost $230 million.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

When he’s not spreading his love of Reese’s, he spends weekday afternoons singing Rolling Stones songs on karaoke machines in bars near the pier.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

Teignmouth's mayor said it was "sad" to see part of the resort's pier, which opened in 1867, washed away.

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026

They could have been hanging at the pier or playing video games.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

As Uhmma drives toward the pier, I can see a group of kids from school in the far distance.

From "A Step from Heaven" by An Na

Related Words

• dam
• dock
• jetty
• promenade
• wharf