English · Word Candidate

pillar

/ˈpɪlə/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: pillars · pillaring · pillared

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A large post, often used as supporting architecture.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Something resembling such a structure.

Noun

Examples

a pillar of smoke

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

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

Verb

Examples

Insufficient penetration, or faulty distribution of the blast, may give rise to "pillaring" — that is, the formation of a pillar or column of cold material extending up through the middle of the hearth

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “pillar” mean?

A large post, often used as supporting architecture.

Is “pillar” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.