The difference between Pier and Quay

When used as nouns, pier means a raised platform built from the shore out over water, supported on piles, whereas quay means a stone or concrete structure on navigable water used for loading and unloading vessels.


Quay is also verb with the meaning: to land or tie up at a quay or similar structure, especially used in the phrase "quay up".

check bellow for the other definitions of Pier and Quay

  1. Pier as a noun:

    A raised platform built from the shore out over water, supported on piles; used to secure, or provide access to shipping; a jetty.

  2. Pier as a noun:

    A similar structure, especially at a seaside resort, used to provide entertainment.

  3. Pier as a noun (US, nautical):

    A structure that projects tangentially from the shoreline to accommodate ships; often double-sided.

  4. Pier as a noun:

    A structure supporting the junction between two spans of a bridge.

  5. Pier as a noun (architecture):

    A rectangular pillar, or similar structure, that supports an arch, wall or roof, or the hinges of a gate.

  1. Quay as a noun (nautical):

    A stone or concrete structure on navigable water used for loading and unloading vessels; a wharf.

  1. Quay as a verb:

    To land or tie up at a quay or similar structure, especially used in the phrase "quay up".

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