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pier

noun \ˈpir\

: a structure that goes out from a shore into the water

Full Definition of PIER

: an intermediate support for the adjacent ends of two bridge spans

: a structure (as a breakwater) extending into navigable water for use as a landing place or promenade or to protect or form a harbor

: a vertical structural support: 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

: a structural mount (as for a telescope) usually of stonework, concrete, or steel

See pier defined for English-language learners

See pier defined for kids

Origin of PIER

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

First Known Use: 12th century

Related to PIER

Synonyms: float, jetty, landing, levee, dock, quai, quay, wharf

Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, lee, port, starboard, stay

Rhymes with PIER

beer, bier, blear, cere, cheer, clear, dear, deer, Deere, drear, ear, fear, fere, fleer, gear, hear, here, jeer, leer, mere, mir, near, peer, Pierre, queer, rear, schmear, sear, seer, sere, shear, sheer, skirr, smear, sneer, spear, speer, sphere, steer, tear, tier, Trier, Tyr, veer, weir, year

PIER Defined for Kids

pier

noun \ˈpir\

Definition of PIER for Kids

: a support for a bridge

: a structure built out into the water as a place for boats to dock or for people to walk or to protect or form a harbor

Learn More About PIER

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "pier"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "pier"

Nglish: Translation of "pier" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "pier" for Arabic speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "pier"

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