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pier

/pɪər/
/pɪə/
IPA guide

Other forms: piers

A pier is a platform reaching out to sea that can be used as a landing place for ships. If you enjoy sea fishing and don't have a boat, try casting your line from the end of the pier.

Pier has two meanings. The most common is for the platform, often wooden, that extends over water away from shore, so that ships can dock. Many seaside towns have turned their piers into entertainment districts, with games and places to stroll. A pier can also be a pillar that supports a bridge.

Definitions of pier
  1. noun
    a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
    synonyms: dock, wharf, wharfage
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    types:
    levee
    a pier that provides a landing place on a river
    quay
    wharf usually built parallel to the shoreline
    type of:
    platform
    a raised horizontal surface
  2. noun
    a support for two adjacent bridge spans
    see moresee less
    type of:
    support
    any device that bears the weight of another thing
  3. noun
    (architecture) a vertical supporting structure (as a portion of wall between two doors or windows)
    see moresee less
    type of:
    support
    any device that bears the weight of another thing
Pronunciation
US
/pɪər/
UK
/pɪə/
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