pier

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   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.

2. 2
   noun

   A similar structure, especially at a seaside resort, used to provide entertainment.

   There is a gaming arcade on the pier.

3. 3
   noun

   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.

4. 4
   noun

   a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles

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.

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