tier
1[ teer ]
/ tɪər /
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noun
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.
one of a number of galleries, as in a theater.
a layer; level; stratum: The wedding cake had six tiers.All three tiers of the firm's management now report to one director.
Australian. a mountain range.
verb (used with object)
to arrange in tiers.
verb (used without object)
to rise in tiers.
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Origin of tier
1First 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”
Other definitions for tier (2 of 2)
tier2
[ tahy-er ]
/ ˈtaɪ ər /
noun
a person or thing that ties.
Nautical. a short rope or band for securing a furled sail.
New England. a child's apron or pinafore.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use tier in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for tier (1 of 2)
tier1
/ (tɪə) /
noun
one of a set of rows placed one above and behind the other, such as theatre seats
- a layer or level
- (in combination)a three-tier cake
a rank, order, or row
verb
to be or arrange in tiers
Word Origin for tier
C16: from Old French tire rank, of Germanic origin; compare Old English tīr embellishment
British Dictionary definitions for tier (2 of 2)
tier2
/ (ˈtaɪə) /
noun
a person or thing that ties
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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