# jetty

/ˈdʒɛti/ (US) · /dʒˈɛti/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jetty
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a long structure built from the land out into the water. It is used to protect a harbor or to give people a place to get on and off boats.

For teachers: a structure projecting from the shore into a body of water, designed to influence currents or protect a harbor from waves. Often used as a landing stage for vessels or as a walkway for pedestrians.

## Examples

- We walked to the end of the jetty to watch the sunset.
- The small fishing boat was tied securely to the wooden jetty while the crew unloaded the morning catch.
- Engineers designed the stone jetty to break the force of the incoming tide, thereby preventing the coastal road from eroding during winter storms.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in nautical and coastal engineering contexts; often interchangeable with 'pier' in casual speech.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.