tier

¹

[ teer ]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to arrange in tiers.

verb (used without object)

1. to rise in tiers.

tier

²

[ tahy-er ]

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.

tier

¹

/ ˈtaɪə /

noun

1. a person or thing that ties

tier

²

/ 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

verb

1. to be or arrange in tiers

Word History and Origins

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tier¹

C16: from Old French tire rank, of Germanic origin; compare Old English tīr embellishment

Example Sentences

By winning Group B4, Wales not only secured an instant return to the top tier of the Nations League, but also all but guaranteed at least a play-off for the World Cup.

From BBC

Shankly laid the foundations for Liverpool's future success, taking them from the second tier to win three English titles, two FA Cups and the Uefa Cup.

From BBC

In League A - the top tier of the Nations League - the teams finishing first and second in each of the four groups progress to two-leg quarter-finals, which will be played in March.

From BBC

The company’s ad-supported tier is seen as a route to increase revenue as subscriber growth slows.

From Los Angeles Times

“I am undeterred in my thinking that he is a tier one, top-one percent shooter,” Redick said after the Cleveland game.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• category
• layer
• row