pier

[peer]

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.

pier

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• underpier noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pier¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pier¹

C12 per, from Anglo-Latin pera pier supporting a bridge

Example Sentences

She told the jury at the High Court in Edinburgh that, after being admitted to hospital in Lerwick, Mr Pearson said he had driven his car off a pier and stabbed himself.

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It said strong gusts "pose a significant risk to safety" and appealed to the public to "exercise extreme caution, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts, piers and waterside paths".

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Before she left town, Noem posted about the Naples pier on Instagram.

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The base at Yulin has five new piers which appear to have been constructed in the last five years.

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They are also found around river mouths, estuaries and manmade structures like piers and groynes.

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Related Words

• dam 
• dock 
• jetty 
• promenade 
• wharf