pier.

1. A substantial upright support beneath an arch, bridge, or part of a building.

2. A platform extending from shore over water, used for access, leisure, or mooring.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• bridge pier
• brick pier
• square pier

On the page

The river divided around the bridge's central pier.

Square brick piers separated the openings of the arcade.

He leaned against a pier while the crowd passed through the arches.

Usage notes

Primary category: architecture. Also a platform extending over water; in the structural sense it is generally bulkier than a slender column. Count noun: piers.