Definition of pillar

Short definition: The word pillar means a strong upright support, either a physical column holding up a structure or an important person, idea, or value that gives stability, strength, and support to a system or community.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word pillar? The word pillar is used in architecture, society, and everyday language. It can describe a tall structural support in a building, a person or thing that provides strong support, or a core principle that holds something together. Because it works both literally and figuratively, its meaning depends on context. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with enough detail to feel clear, human, and practical.

Forms: pillar, pillars
Related: column n., support n., foundation n.
Syllable: pil-lar

1. (Noun) A tall vertical structure that supports the weight of a building or structure.

   A pillar is a strong upright column made of stone concrete wood or metal that supports a roof ceiling or other parts of a building helping keep the structure stable and standing over time.

   The ancient temple was held up by massive stone pillars that had supported the roof for centuries without collapsing.
   Engineers checked each pillar carefully to ensure the bridge could handle heavy traffic safely.
   Decorative pillars lined the entrance giving the building a grand and formal appearance.

   Synonyms: column, support column, structural post, upright support, load bearing column, stone column, support post, vertical support, architectural column, building support, structural pillar, base support
   Antonyms: opening, gap, hollow space, unsupported area, weak section, empty span, void, unsupported surface, collapse zone, fragile area, break, cavity

2. (Noun) A person or thing that provides strong support or stability to a group or system.

   Figuratively, a pillar refers to someone or something that plays a crucial supporting role, offering strength reliability or guidance that others depend on to function or succeed.

   She was considered a pillar of the community because she consistently supported local projects and helped others.
   Trust became a pillar of their relationship after years of honest communication and shared experiences.
   Education is a pillar of long term economic development in many countries.

   Synonyms: main support, backbone, cornerstone, key support, central figure, stabilizing force, core support, foundation element, essential part, mainstay, reliable support, structural role
   Antonyms: weakness, burden, liability, unstable element, minor role, weak link, unnecessary part, fragile support, unreliable factor, obstacle, hindrance, problem source

3. (Noun) A fundamental principle or idea that something is built upon.

   In abstract use, a pillar means a basic principle value or belief that forms the core structure of a system organization or way of thinking.

   Honesty is a pillar of effective leadership and long lasting trust.
   Innovation remains a pillar of the company’s strategy in a rapidly changing market.
   The constitution is often described as a pillar of modern democratic society.

   Synonyms: principle, foundation idea, core belief, fundamental value, basic concept, guiding rule, central idea, essential principle, structural belief, base concept, ideological support, core value
   Antonyms: detail, surface idea, minor belief, flexible rule, optional value, weak principle, non essential idea, extra feature, decoration, afterthought, add on, peripheral concept