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 Words From

• under·pier 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

Pro tip: Leave the pier and its immediate surroundings to the out-of-towners and channel your pedestrian energy on the less-trafficked, local parts of town.

From Los Angeles Times

With more than 100 images of everything from the carousel to the coaster to cafes, this book will charm any Angeleno who has ever walked, surfed, swam, eaten, flirted or gazed at the pier.

From Los Angeles Times

From wildlife spotters to anglers, day-trippers and cold dippers, Wales' piers are a hive of activity.

From BBC

We strolled the length of the pier, people-watching, then I took her hand in mine.

From Los Angeles Times

The Fish Market is one of the top-grossing restaurants in the country but had to move from its longtime home on a wooden pier to make way for construction of West Harbor.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dam
• dock
• jetty
• promenade
• wharf