English Explanatory Dictionary

pier

English dictionary entry

Meanings

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. A structure supporting the junction between two spans of a bridge.
  4. A rectangular pillar, or similar structure, that supports an arch, wall or roof, or the hinges of a gate.
  5. A long corridor-like structure with multiple gates extending from an airport terminal.

Pronunciation

/pɪə/ /pɪː/ /pɪjə/ pîr /pɪɹ/ en-us-pier.ogg /piɾ/ /pɛː/

Word forms

pier piers

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English pere (“bridge pillar, breakwater”), from either Anglo-Norman pere (“stone”, from Latin petra) or Old French *piere (Old Northern French pire, from either Late Latin *petricus or pēra "satchel"); compare Medieval Latin pira.

Related words

jetty mole wharf

Derived words

abutment pier Brighton pier chain pier end-of-pier end-of-the-pier finger pier gatepier pierage piered pier glass pierhead pierless pierlike piermaster pier runner pierside pier table pierwise rocking pier take a long walk off a short pier take a long walk on a short pier you don't fish off the company pier

Translations

Bulgarian: пристан Finnish: laituri French: ponton German: Steg German: Bootssteg Polish: pirs Scottish Gaelic: laimrig Swedish: pir Swedish: brygga
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