Pier

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /pɪə̯(ɹ)/
• UK IPA: /piɹ/
• Rhymes: -ɪə(r)

Origin

From Medieval Latin pera, from Old Norman pira ("breakwater"), from Vulgar Latin *petricus, from Latin petra.

Full definition of pier

Noun

1. A raised platform built from the shore out over water, supported on piles; used to secure, or provide access to shipping; a jetty.
2. A similar structure, especially at a seaside resort, used to provide entertainment.
3. (US, nautical) A structure that projects tangentially from the shoreline to accommodate ships; often double-sided.
4. A structure supporting the junction between two spans of a bridge.
5. (architecture) A rectangular pillar, or similar structure, that supports an arch, wall or roof.

Derived terms

• abutment pier
• pier glass
• pierlike
• pier table

Anagrams

• peri
• ripe