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

Fox took its NFL studio show on location to Pier 6 at the military base in honor of Veterans Day.

From Los Angeles Times

Strahan’s post came a day after “Fox NFL Sunday” took its studio show on the road with a live broadcast from Pier 6 at Naval Base San Diego.

From Los Angeles Times

For some, the jewel in Essex's crown could be Southend-on-Sea's famous pier, Colchester Castle or the historic woodland of Epping Forest.

From BBC

Santa Monica Thank the 10 million tourists that trek to the pier here for helping make the city — particularly the stretch along Ocean Avenue and the three car-free blocks of the Third Street Promenade — among the Southland’s most walkable.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• dam
• dock
• jetty
• promenade
• wharf