The difference between Pier and Wharf

When used as nouns, pier means a raised platform built from the shore out over water, supported on piles, whereas wharf means a man-made landing place for ships on a shore or river bank.


Wharf is also verb with the meaning: to secure by a wharf.

check bellow for the other definitions of Pier and Wharf

  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. Wharf as a noun:

    A man-made landing place for ships on a shore or river bank.

  2. Wharf as a noun:

    The bank of a river, or the shore of the sea.

  1. Wharf as a verb (transitive):

    To secure by a wharf.

  2. Wharf as a verb (transitive):

    To place on a wharf.

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