pier

noun

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
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

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.
Stay off of jetties, piers, rocks, and other waterside infrastructure. Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026 Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as groins, jetties and piers. Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 15 Feb. 2026 Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as groins, jetties and piers. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Feb. 2026 Amber Savage at the local bagel shop has many fond memories of visiting the pier with her family on warm, summer days. Christine Sloan, CBS News, 6 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pier. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

pier

noun
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

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