pier

noun

ˈpir How to pronounce pier (audio)
Synonyms of piernext
1
: an intermediate support for the adjacent ends of two bridge spans
2
: a structure (such as a breakwater) extending into navigable water for use as a landing place or promenade or to protect or form a harbor
3
: a vertical structural support: such as
a
: the wall between two openings
b
: pillar, pilaster
c
: a vertical member that supports the end of an arch or lintel
d
: an auxiliary mass of masonry used to stiffen a wall
4
: a structural mount (as for a telescope) usually of stonework, concrete, or steel

Synonyms of pier

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Examples of pier in a Sentence

tied the boat up at the pier
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Newport Beach, police posted an alert online Saturday morning saying flooding closed all city beaches and piers until further notice. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026 The activities pier provides easy access to a range of watersports, from paddleboarding to jet skiing. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026 Courtney also urged the Navy to develop ways to decommission and refit ships at pier side in order to free dry dock space. — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026 Smith Point Park stairs to the surf were wiped out and at Jones Beach, the berm held up but parts of the fishing pier were knocked down. — Jennifer McLogan, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pier

Word History

Etymology

Middle English per, from Old English, from Medieval Latin pera

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pier was in the 12th century

Phrases Containing pier

Rhymes for pier

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Browse Nearby Words

pieprint
pier
pierage
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Cite this Entry

“Pier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pier. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pier

noun
ˈpi(ə)r How to pronounce pier (audio)
1
: a support for a bridge
2
: a structure built out into the water for use as a landing place or walk or to protect or form a harbor
3
: an upright supporting part (as a pillar or buttress) of a building or structure

More from Merriam-Webster on pier

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pier

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