Pillar — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈpi-lər/ pil·lar

Meaning & Definition of Pillar

Pillar (noun)

  1. a firm upright support for a superstructure, post
  2. a usually ornamental column or shaft; especially, one standing alone for a monument
  3. a supporting, integral, or upstanding member or part

Pillar (verb)

  1. to provide or strengthen with or as if with pillars

Pillar (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an upright shaft that supports an overhead structure

    "the ancient Greek temple boasted graceful marble pillars with richly ornamented tops"

    similar: column, pier, pilaster, post, stanchion
    related: caryatid, pedestal, buttress, flying buttress, needle, obelisk, pile, piling

  2. something or someone to which one looks for support

    "my father has been my pillar throughout this crisis"

    similar: anchor, buttress, dependence, mainstay, reliance, standby
    related: backbone, sinew(s), spine, right hand, bolsterer, crutch, handmaiden, prop, stay, anchorage, harbor, refuge

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Pillar

The most common words with a similar meaning to Pillar:

column, pier, pilaster, post, stanchion, anchor, buttress, dependence, mainstay, reliance, standby

Related Words for Pillar

caryatid, pedestal, flying buttress, needle, obelisk, pile, piling, backbone, sinew(s), spine, right hand, bolsterer, crutch, handmaiden, prop, stay, anchorage, harbor, refuge

Word Forms of Pillar

Inflections: pillared, pillaring, pillars

Derived words: pillarless (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Pillar

Middle English piler, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin pilare, from Latin pila

First known use: 13th century

Words & Phrases Containing Pillar

pillar box, pillar of strength, from pillar to post

Frequently Asked Questions about Pillar

What does "Pillar" mean?

"Pillar" means a firm upright support for a superstructure, post. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a firm upright support for a superstructure, post. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Pillar"?

Other words for "Pillar" include column, pier, pilaster, post, stanchion, anchor, buttress and dependence. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Pillar" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Pillar"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Pillar". Common alternatives include column, pier, pilaster, post, stanchion, anchor, buttress, dependence, mainstay and reliance.

How do you use "Pillar" in a sentence?

Examples of "Pillar" in a sentence: "the ancient Greek temple boasted graceful marble pillars with richly ornamented tops"; "my father has been my pillar throughout this crisis".

Is "Pillar" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Pillar" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Pillar"?

"Pillar" is pronounced /ˈpi-lər/ and divided into syllables as pil·lar.

What is the origin of the word "Pillar"?

"Pillar" comes from Middle English piler, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin pilare, from Latin pila. First known use: 13th century.

What is another word for "Pillar" meaning "an upright shaft that supports an overhead structure"?

When "Pillar" (noun) means an upright shaft that supports an overhead structure, synonyms include column, pier, pilaster, post and stanchion.