English Explanatory Dictionary

pillar

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A large post, often used as supporting architecture.
  2. Something resembling such a structure.
  3. An essential part of something that provides support.
  4. A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.
  5. The centre of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.
  6. The body from the hips over the core to the shoulders.
  7. A vertical, often spire-shaped, natural rock formation.
verb
  1. To provide with pillars or added strength as if from pillars.
name
  1. A surname.

Pronunciation

/ˈpɪlə/ /ˈpɪlɚ/ En-us-pillar.ogg /ˈpɪllə(r)/

Word forms

pillar pillars pillaring pillared

Etymology

From Middle English piler, from Old French pilier, from Medieval Latin or Vulgar Latin *pilāre (“a pillar”), from Latin pila (“a pillar, pier, mole”).

Synonyms

column sile

Related words

caterpillar

Derived words

A-pillar B-pillar C-pillar D-pillar bepillared bundle pillar depillar earth pillar pillar to post post to pillar hydropillar ice pillar interpillar intrapillar light pillar micropillar nanopillar pilaster pillar and stall pillar-biter pillar block pillar box pillar-box red pillar candle pillar dollar pillar drill pillaret pillar harp pillarisation pillarist pillarize pillarless pillarlet pillarlike pillar of fire pillar of flame pillar of society pillar of strength pillar of the community pillar telephone Pillar Valley pillarwise pillary room and pillar sand pillar solar pillar sun pillar tongue pillar triangulation pillar trig pillar water pillar Cape Pillar
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