Definition of PILLAR

pillar

Plural: pillars

Noun

  • a fundamental principle or practice
    • "science eroded the pillars of superstition"
  • anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower
    • "a thin pillar of smoke betrayed their campsite"
  • a prominent supporter
    • "he is a pillar of the community"
  • a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (such as a monument)
  • (architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing upright and used to support a structure
  • A large post, often used as supporting architecture.
  • Something resembling such a structure.
  • An essential part of something that provides support.
  • A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.
  • The centre of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.
  • The body from the hips over the core to the shoulders.
  • A vertical, often spire-shaped, natural rock formation.

Verb

Verb Forms: pillared, pillaring, pillars

  • To support or provide with pillars or columns.
  • To provide with pillars or added strength as if from pillars.

Examples

  • a pillar of smoke
  • He's a pillar of the community.
  • His strategic play helped pillar his lead, making it almost impossible for me to catch up.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English piler, from Old French pilier, from Medieval Latin or Vulgar Latin *pilāre (“a pillar”), from Latin pila (“a pillar, pier, mole”).

Synonyms

column, mainstay, tower, sile

Scrabble Score: 8

pillar: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
pillar: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
pillar: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 11

pillar: valid Words With Friends Word