pier
pier [pier piers] BrE [pɪə(r)] NAmE [pɪr] noun
1. a long structure built in the sea and joined to the land at one end, often with places of entertainment on it
•After lunch, the family went for a walk along the pier.
•Blackpool pier
2. a long low structure built in a lake, river or the sea and joined to the land at one end, used by boats to allow passengers to get on and off
Syn: ↑landing stage
•The river bus leaves from Pier 4.
3. (technical)a large strong piece of wood, metal or stone that is used to support a roof, wall, bridge, etc.
Word Origin:
Middle English: from medieval Latin pera, of unknown origin.
Culture:
Piers were originally built so that people could walk along them to get onto boats at the end, or load or unload goods, but in the 19th century many British seaside towns built large piers for pleasure, often with theatres, restaurants and entertainments on them and some of them are still popular tourist attractions.
Example Bank:
•the fishermen on the pier
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