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Definition of pillar
pillar
/ˈpɪl.ɚ/
pil · lar
Plural:pillars
•Past Simple:pillared
•Past Participle:pillared
•Present Participle:pillaring
pillar Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
6
Tier
2
Usage
Top 5k
pillar Game Scores & Validity
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WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A tall vertical structure of stone, wood, or metal, used as a support for a building or as an ornament or monument.
Example
"The ancient Greek temple was supported by massive marble pillars."
2
A person or thing that reliably provides essential support for a principle, system, or community.
Example
"He has been a dedicated volunteer and a true pillar of the local community for over twenty years."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for pillar• verb
1
To support, decorate, or equip with pillars.
Example
"The grand entrance was beautifully pillared and draped in heavy ivy."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for pillar• Rhymes for pillar
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old French 'piler', derived from Latin 'pila', meaning 'pillar' or 'pier'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pillar. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pillar