noun
Uncommon
pier
peer
Pier (noun) means a raised platform that extends from the shore out over water, used for boats or entertainment. Example: “They walked along the pier and watched the fishermen.”
noun
1
A raised platform that extends from the shore out over water, used for boats or entertainment.
"They walked along the pier and watched the fishermen."
"The seaside pier had an arcade at the far end."
"We ate ice cream at the end of the pier as seagulls circled."
2
A supporting column, such as one holding up a bridge or arch.
"Engineers inspected the concrete piers under the bridge."
"The bridge rests on two tall stone piers set into the riverbed."
"One pier of the old viaduct had cracked and needed repair."
How to use pier
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA structure jutting out over water, or a supporting column.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
seaside pier
pier and support
fishing pier
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Word forms
- Plural
- piers
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They walked along the _____ and watched the fishermen.
Etymology
From Middle English pere, meaning a bridge pillar or breakwater, tracing back to a Latin word for stone.
Related words
Rhymes for pier
See all rhymes for pier →Frequently asked questions
What does “pier” mean?
The word “pier” means a raised platform that extends from the shore out over water, used for boats or entertainment. In plain terms, a structure jutting out over water, or a supporting column.
How do you pronounce “pier”?
“Pier” is pronounced peer (/pɪɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pier” in a sentence?
Here is “pier” used in a sentence: “They walked along the pier and watched the fishermen.”
What part of speech is “pier”?
“Pier” is a noun.
Where does the word “pier” come from?
The word “pier” comes from Latin. From Middle English pere, meaning a bridge pillar or breakwater, tracing back to a Latin word for stone.
Is “pier” a common word?
“Pier” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “pier” have?
“Pier” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a raised platform that extends from the shore out over water, used for boats or entertainment.
What is the difference between a pier and a dock?
A pier is a raised platform extending from the shore out over the water, often used for walking, entertainment, or docking boats. A dock is more specifically a structure or area where boats are loaded, unloaded, or moored, and it can include the water space alongside a pier.
What is the difference between a pier and a jetty?
A pier typically runs perpendicular to the shore and is built up on supports for people or boats to use, sometimes hosting shops or attractions. A jetty is usually a narrower structure built to protect a harbor or control water flow, and is not generally designed for entertainment or leisure.
How is pier used in architecture and construction?
In construction, a pier refers to a solid supporting column, such as one holding up a bridge deck or an arch. This sense is distinct from the seaside pier and instead describes a load-bearing structural element.
