tier

¹ American  

[teer] / tɪər /

noun

1. one of a series of rows or ranks rising one behind or above another, as of seats in an amphitheater, boxes in a theater, guns in a man-of-war, or oars in an ancient galley.

2. one of a number of galleries, as in a theater.

3. a layer; level; stratum.

   The wedding cake had six tiers.

   All three tiers of the firm's management now report to one director.

4. Australian. a mountain range.

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verb (used with object)

1. to arrange in tiers.

verb (used without object)

1. to rise in tiers.

tier ² American  

[tahy-er] / ˈtaɪ ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that ties.

2. Nautical. a short rope or band for securing a furled sail.

3. New England. a child's apron or pinafore.

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tier ¹ British  

/ tɪə /

noun

1. one of a set of rows placed one above and behind the other, such as theatre seats

2. 1. a layer or level

   2. ( in combination )

      a three-tier cake

3. a rank, order, or row

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verb

1. to be or arrange in tiers

tier ² British  

/ ˈtaɪə /

noun

1. a person or thing that ties

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Etymology

Origin of tier¹

First recorded in 1560–70; earlier also tire, tyre, teare, from Middle French, Old French tire, tiere “order, row, rank,” from Germanic; compare Old English, Old Saxon tīr, Old High German zēri “glory, adornment”

Origin of tier²

First recorded in 1625–35; tie + -er ¹

Example Sentences

And the club would undoubtedly face a significant financial hit if it was to start 2026-27 in the second tier.

From BBC

The market likely expected a higher dividend from the Singapore bank given a robust 14.9% common equity tier-1 ratio, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal

Tudor has been plunged into a relegation battle, with Tottenham just four points above the bottom three as they face the bleak possibility of a first season outside the top tier since 1977-78.

From Barron's

A company presentation said the figures in the United States were the result of "broad-based growth across merchandise categories as well as share gains across income tiers, led by upper-income households."

From Barron's

Despite being charged by the Premier League, the EFL took on the case following Leicester's relegation to the second tier.

From BBC

Related Words

• category
• layer
• row