Pier vs. Quay — What's the Difference?

A pier is a raised structure that rises above a body of water and usually juts out from its shore, typically supported by piles or pillars, and provides above-water access to offshore areas. Frequent pier uses include fishing, boat docking and access for both passengers and cargo, and oceanside recreation.

A wharf or reinforced bank for the loading or unloading of ships or boats.

A platform extending from a shore over water and supported by piles or pillars, used to secure, protect, and provide access to ships or boats.

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

Such a structure used predominantly for entertainment.

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

A supporting structure at the junction of connecting spans of a bridge.

T=far

A pillar, generally rectangular in cross section, supporting an arch or roof.

A mole, bank, or wharf, formed toward the sea, or at the side of a harbor, river, or other navigable water, for convenience in loading and unloading vessels.

The portion of a wall between windows, doors, or other openings.

To furnish with quays.

A reinforcing structure that projects from a wall; a buttress.

Wharf usually built parallel to the shoreline

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

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

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

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

Any detached mass of masonry, whether insulated or supporting one side of an arch or lintel, as of a bridge; the piece of wall between two openings.

A projecting wharf or landing place.

A platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats

(architecture) a vertical supporting structure (as a portion of wall between two doors or windows)

A support for two adjacent bridge spans