Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tall, vertical, cylindrical structure: In architecture, a pillar is a tall, vertical, cylindrical structure that stands upright and is used to support a building or other construction.
   • A freestanding vertical structure: A pillar can also be a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone, not supporting anything else, often as a monument or memorial.
   • A prominent supporter: A person who is a main, reliable, and important supporter of something, such as a community or institution.
   • Anything resembling a column: Any object or formation that approximates the tall, narrow shape of a column or tower.
   • A fundamental principle: A basic, essential idea or practice that supports a system of belief or thought.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Architectural Support):

  • The ancient temple was supported by massive stone pillars.
  • The roof collapsed when one of the central pillars was damaged.

• Noun (Freestanding Monument):

  • A marble pillar was erected in the town square to honor the war heroes.

• Noun (Prominent Supporter):

  • She has been a pillar of the local church for decades.
  • As a dedicated teacher, he is considered a pillar of the school community.

• Noun (Column-like Shape):

  • A pillar of fire guided the ships at night.
  • In the desert, they saw a tall pillar of sand created by the wind.

• Noun (Fundamental Principle):

  • Honesty and integrity are the pillars of a good reputation.
  • The three pillars of the company's philosophy are quality, innovation, and service.

Advanced Usage

• "From pillar to post": To be forced to go from one place or person to another without making any progress; to be harassed or driven around.
  • After the office closed, I was sent from pillar to post trying to find someone who could help me.

Variants and Related Words

• Pillar-box (n): A tall, cylindrical public mailbox, traditionally painted red in the UK.
  • She posted the letter in the red pillar-box on the corner.

Synonyms

• Column: A vertical support or structure.
• Post: An upright pole or support.
• Mainstay: A chief support or principal reliance.
• Buttress: A projecting support for a wall or structure; also used figuratively for support.

Related Phrases

• Pillar of strength: Someone who provides very strong and reliable support, especially during difficult times.
  • My sister was a real pillar of strength for me when I was ill.

Related Idioms

• Pillar of the community: A person who is an active, respected, and important member of a community.
  • The retired doctor, with his lifelong charity work, is truly a pillar of the community.

Noun

1. (architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing upright and used to support a structure
2. a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (such as a monument)
3. a prominent supporter
   • he is a pillar of the community
4. anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower
   • the test tube held a column of white powder
   • a tower of dust rose above the horizon
   • a thin pillar of smoke betrayed their campsite
5. a fundamental principle or practice
   • science eroded the pillars of superstition