pillar

noun · verb

Simple meaning

An essential part of something that provides support.

Pronunciation

Say it like this:

piler

Say the bold part a little louder.

US device voice

IPA pronunciation (US)

ˈpɪlɚ

This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.

Word Review

Definition

Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.

noun

figuratively
An essential part of something that provides support.
Something resembling such a structure.
architecture
A large post, often used as supporting architecture.
The centre of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.

verb

transitive
To provide with pillars or added strength as if from pillars.

Word at a Glance

Difficulty: B2 · Upper Intermediate (estimated)
Frequency: Moderately Common
Formality: Technical

Word Aura™

How this word commonly comes across.

Aura for this meaning

This meaning: An essential part of something that provides support.

Used this way, pillar is a reasonably familiar word that usually carries little praise or criticism of its own. It suits considered writing and prepared speech.

Emotional tone: Neutral
Formality: Neutral
Intensity: Not strongly marked
How common: Moderately common
Connotation: Serious and weighty
Usage feel: Formal and precise

Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.

More ways to use pillar

“He is a pillar of the community.”noun
“Science eroded the pillars of superstition.”noun

Common Patterns and Combinations

How this word naturally appears with others.

pillar boxcentral pillarstone pillarthird pillarsecond pillarfirst pillarmain pillariron pillar

Tap the highlighted word to open its own entry.

Word Family

Related forms, grouped by how they connect.

Compound terms

Established multiword terms.

pillar boxnounCompound term
A red pillar-shaped letter box.
pillar of islamnounCompound term
One of the five religious obligations accepted by all Muslims.
pillar of strengthnounCompound term
A person who can be relied on to give a great deal of support and comfort.
pillars of herculesnounCompound term
The two promontories at the eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar.
from pillar to postadverbCompound term
From one place or situation to another.

More about this wordSynonyms, forms, origin

Synonyms

Sense: essential part of something that provides support

column

Use This Word

See how this word sounds in a real sentence.

Ask Vocabaura

Understand the word your way.

What Does It Mean Here?

Words can change meaning depending on context.

Use it yourself

Knowing “pillar” starts when you use it. Pick a next step, all free.

Know the meaning? Practice using it in a real situation, free, no credits.

Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.