# pier

> English word · Noun · IPA /pɪə(ɹ)/ · frequency rank #9,380

## Definitions
1. A raised platform built from the shore out over water, supported on piles; used to secure, or provide access to shipping; a jetty.
2. A similar structure, especially at a seaside resort, used to provide entertainment.
3. A structure supporting the junction between two spans of a bridge.
4. A rectangular pillar, or similar structure, that supports an arch, wall or roof, or the hinges of a gate.

## Etymology
From Middle English pere (“bridge pillar”), from Medieval Latin pera, from Old Northern French pire (“breakwater”), from Vulgar Latin *petricus, from Latin petra, from Ancient Greek πέτρα (pétra, “stone”).

## Easily confused with
- **PR** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-pr)
- **pin** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-pin)
- **pit** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-pit)
- **pig** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-pig)
- **Poe** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-poe)
- **pip** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-pip)
- **pur** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-pur)
- **PPE** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-ppe)
- **Pil** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-pil)
- **pix** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-pix)
- **pye** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-pye)
- **pir** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-pir)
- **poor** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-poor)
- **pink** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-pink)
- **pipe** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-pipe)
- **poem** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-poem)
- **poet** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-poet)
- **piss** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-piss)
- **pile** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-pile)
- **pine** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pier-vs-pine)

## Common misspellings (5)
`iper`, `peir`, `pierr`, `pire`, `ppier`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/pier