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

Example Sentences

The Brighton Pier Group will put the 126-year-old Grade II* Listed pier on the market for an undisclosed price, saying the decision was made to return the best value for money for shareholders.

From BBC

The photo was taken on an empty construction floor of the pier where he had a concert that night.

From Los Angeles Times

Images on social media showed one of its supporting stone piers was leaning at an angle and part of the metalwork had twisted and fallen into the river.

From BBC

This year, another capability showed up on the Chinese coast: mobile piers that can be used to unload directly onto a beach or possibly to a damaged port.

From The Wall Street Journal

The pier there is long enough to dock an aircraft carrier.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• dam
• dock
• jetty
• promenade
• wharf