pier
nounUK /pɪə/ · US /pɪɹ/
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.
A raised platform built from the shore out over water, supported on piles; used to secure, or provide access to shipping; a jetty.
- Your boat is docked at the pier.
A similar structure, especially at a seaside resort, used to provide entertainment.
- There is a gaming arcade on the pier.
- A fresh breeze comes off the water and down the pier.1992, Neal Stephenson, Snow Crash, page 234:
1 more example
- Ryde Pier's claim to fame is being the world's oldest seaside pleasure pier, with construction starting in 1813.2023 March 22, Paul Clifton, “Network News: Island Line to reopen to Ryde Pier in June... possibly”, in RAIL, number 979, page 24:
A structure supporting the junction between two spans of a bridge.
- The force of the explosion demolished one pair of piers and two spans of the bridge crashed down into the river on top of the barges.1961 January, “Talking of Trains: The Severn Bridge disaster”, in Trains Illustrated, page 5:
Architecture A rectangular pillar, or similar structure, that supports an arch, wall or roof, or the hinges of a gate.
Aeronautics, Aerospace, Aviation, Business, Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences A long corridor-like building with multiple gates extending from an airport terminal.
- The new £216m pier will be used by all airlines currently operating out of T2, with more and more flights gradually moving over to the new pier once it becomes fully operational.2019 April 2, “Manchester Airport opens new pier at Terminal 2”, in Airport Technology:
- Derived terms
- 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