rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypierPlatform over water
noun

pier

PEER/pɪr/

A platform extending from shore over water.

The wooden pier projects from the sandy shore into open water.

An elevated wooden pier begins on a sandy shore and projects into open water, with its supporting piles and free end clearly visible.
Etymology
pierLatinbridge support

Latin pera named a bridge support. The English word later came to name a structure projecting into a harbor for landing or sheltering vessels; the ancestor’s deeper origin is unknown.

In context

WTTW45:19
When it's not overrun with dragon boat racers, this pier is a frequent stop for Chicago water taxis. Let's hop aboard one
The Chicago River Tour with Geoffrey Baer

More examples

  • We walk to the end of the pier.
  • The ferry pulls up beside the pier.
  • The storm damages several wooden piers along the coast.

Forms

pier · piers

Similar words

dock
Often emphasizes the place where boats moor or load.
wharf
Usually runs along the shore rather than projecting outward.