difference between 'pier' and 'dock'

[kjc0123]

What is the difference between 'pier' and 'dock'?

[Quizmonster]

Both words have quite a variety of meanings, but - in the sense in which you probably mean here - there is not a great deal of difference between them.

Basically, each is a wall at which ships are tied up at the end of a voyage. Thus, the Master of a vessel might order the sailors to "Make fast to the dock" or "Make fast to the peir" and each would mean excatly the same thing...ie tie the ropes/hawsers to link the ship to the harbour-side.

[Westminster]

The English language is a subtle beast, and Quizmonster an experienced handler of that beast. But if I were to differentiate 'pier' and 'dock', I would say that a pier sticks out into a waterway from dry land, while a dock is cut into dry land from a waterway.

[Peter Pedant]

yup i agree, one sticks out and the other erm sticks in.

Hi Kay jay, these differences, you will note some of the meanings of dock, in that one can dock at a pier! gives an idea that in English words can gain meanings and not only that, onemeaning can be opposite to the other!

Fast - as in hold fast and to go fast is the obvious example. These words of which dock maybe one are called auto-antonyms. One of the ways the English gaze at their navels is to think of other auto-antonyms. and to come to think of it, i think i will go run a bath, and do ust that!

all the best - we like your questions

[ezapf]

I almost agree.

     A pier is a dock that sticks out into the waterway, perpendicular to the shoreline. A dock which is not a pier is built along the shoreline. It may be cut into the land or stick out over the water a bit.

     At least that is how we differentiated when I built the things years ago.

[SimonMorton]

Pier is to look at something in an intent fashion. Dock is what my parents have and they take it for a walk each day. Unless one was staring at my parents dog the difference would be obvious. Something a little trickier....please!!!