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Definition of pillar

pillar

/ˈpɪl.ɚ/
pil · lar
Plural:pillars
•
Past Simple:pillared
•
Past Participle:pillared
•
Present Participle:pillaring
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pillar Lexical Profile

pillar Game Scores & Validity

• 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
Antonyms
View all antonyms 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

pill
pillage
pillager
pillar
pillarbox
pillared
pillbox

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 Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pillar
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