jetty

¹

[ jet-ee ]

noun

, plural jet·ties.

1. a pier or structure of stones, piles, or the like, projecting into the sea or other body of water to protect a harbor, deflect the current, etc.
2. a wharf or landing pier.
3. the piles or wooden structure protecting a pier.
4. Also an overhang, as of an upper story beyond a lower.

verb (used with object)

, jet·tied, jet·ty·ing.

1. to construct (part of a building) so that it projects beyond lower construction; jutty.

jetty

²

[ jet-ee ]

adjective

1. made of jet.
2. resembling jet, especially in color; of a deep black.

jetty

¹

/ ˈdʒɛtɪ /

adjective

1. of or resembling jet, esp in colour or polish

jetty

²

/ ˈdʒɛtɪ /

noun

1. a structure built from a shore out into the water to direct currents or protect a harbour
2. a landing pier; dock

Derived Forms

• ˈjettiness, noun

Other Words From

• jetti·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of jetty¹

1375–1425; late Middle English get ( t ) ey < Old French jetee, literally, something thrown out, a projection, noun use of jetee, feminine past participle of jeter to throw; jet ¹

Origin of jetty²

First recorded in 1475–85; jet ² + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of jetty¹

C15: from Old French jetee projecting part, literally: something thrown out, from jeter to throw; see jet ¹

Example Sentences

To the north-west is the new jetty jutting out into the ocean, which Mr Bashfield says could be used by Indian surface patrol vessels, as well as the ship that brings supplies to Agalega.

From BBC

The boat, traveling at a high speed, crashed into the jetty near its slip, killing a man.

From Los Angeles Times

Over the weekend, the boardwalk was unusually quiet, except for a few daring surfers who ignored health warnings and rode waves near the jetty, said Venice resident Scott Culbertson.

From Los Angeles Times

The system of floaters attaches directly to preexisting structures — like breakwaters, wharfs and jetties — and produces energy from the constant motion of the waves.

From Los Angeles Times

Bangladesh also suspended loading and unloading in the country’s largest main seaport in Chittagong and moved more than a dozen ships from jetties to the deep sea as a precaution.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• seawall
• wharf