English Reference

Word

piers

Phoneticspiers

US/ˈpɪɹz/

UK/pˈiəz/

Definitions

01structures over water

B2

n. more than one pier; long platforms built over the water for walking or for boats.

n. the plural form of pier, denoting multiple structures extending into the sea or a lake, typically used as landing stages or promenades.

“The coastal town is famous for its two long wooden piers that stretch into the ocean.”

“Engineers inspected the structural integrity of the Victorian piers following the severe winter storms that battered the coastline.”

Synonyms

jettieswharvesdocks

02architectural supports

C1 · Technical

n. strong pillars or walls that support a bridge or a heavy roof.

n. multiple solid supports, such as pillars or sections of wall, designed to sustain vertical pressure from a bridge or arch.

“The heavy stone bridge was held up by four massive concrete piers.”

“The architect specified reinforced steel for the central piers to ensure the bridge could withstand the weight of modern freight trains.”

Technical

Teaching tip

In an architectural context, this refers to the support itself rather than the walkway over water.

Etymology

A Middle English vernacular form of Peter, from Old French Piers, from Latin Petrus. Doublet of Pedro, Peter, and Boutros.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference