pillar

The word “pillar” means a tall vertical post, usually supporting part of a building. In plain terms, either a literal supporting post, or figuratively something (or someone) essential that holds everything else up.

“Pillar” is pronounced PIH-luh (/ˈpɪlɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “pillar” used in a sentence: “Marble pillars lined the entrance to the courthouse.”

Words with a similar meaning to “pillar” include column and sile.

“Pillar” is a noun.

The word “pillar” comes from Latin. From Old French pilier, from a Latin word for a pillar or pier.

“Pillar” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Pillar” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tall vertical post, usually supporting part of a building.

"Pillar" and "column" both describe a tall vertical post supporting part of a building, and the two words are largely interchangeable in everyday use, as reflected in "column" being a listed synonym of "pillar." "Column" is sometimes preferred in architectural or classical contexts, while "pillar" is more common in general speech and figurative use.

Calling someone a "pillar of the community" uses the figurative sense of "pillar," meaning a person regarded as a central, essential support of something, in this case the people around them. It highlights their reliability and importance rather than any physical structure.

Yes, "pillar" can describe a literal vertical post supporting a building, or figuratively a person or thing seen as a central, essential support of something, such as "honesty is a pillar of good journalism." Both uses are common in everyday and formal English.