piers (marine landings) <p>Structures extending from the shoreline out over the sea or tidal river, to protect or partially enclose a harbor and form a landing place for vessels, or to serve as a recreational or entertainment place. A pier may also be a projecting landing stage or jetty on the bank of a river or lake. For structures built along or parallel to the shoreline serving as landing, loading, or unloading places for vessels, use "wharves" or "quays."</p> <p>Source: Art &amp; Architecture Thesaurus<br /><a class="in-cell-link" href="http://vocab.getty.edu/page/aat/300120779" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://vocab.getty.edu/page/aat/300120779</a></p>