tier

¹

[teer]

noun

1. one of a series of rows or ranks rising one behind or above another, as of seats in an amphitheater, boxes in a theater, guns in a man-of-war, or oars in an ancient galley.

2. one of a number of galleries, as in a theater.

3. a layer; level; stratum.

   The wedding cake had six tiers.

   All three tiers of the firm's management now report to one director.

4. Australian.,  a mountain range.

verb (used with object)

1. to arrange in tiers.

verb (used without object)

1. to rise in tiers.

tier

²

[tahy-er]

noun

1. a person or thing that ties.

2. Nautical.,  a short rope or band for securing a furled sail.

3. New England.,  a child's apron or pinafore.

tier

¹

/ tɪə /

noun

1. one of a set of rows placed one above and behind the other, such as theatre seats

2. 1. a layer or level

   2. ( in combination )

      a three-tier cake

3. a rank, order, or row

verb

1. to be or arrange in tiers

tier

²

/ ˈtaɪə /

noun

1. a person or thing that ties

Word History and Origins

Origin of tier¹

First recorded in 1560–70; earlier also tire, tyre, teare, from Middle French, Old French tire, tiere “order, row, rank,” from Germanic; compare Old English, Old Saxon tīr, Old High German zēri “glory, adornment”

Origin of tier²

First recorded in 1625–35; tie + -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of tier¹

C16: from Old French tire rank, of Germanic origin; compare Old English tīr embellishment

Example Sentences

The streamers have all added ad tiers and that naturally is going to change the programming a bit.

From Los Angeles Times

In the six-team second tier, counties would play two teams twice and three others three times, giving a total of 13 games.

From BBC

Minimum salaries for players in the top two tiers of professional women's football in England are being introduced for the first time this season.

From BBC

The top tier of English football is in a unique position.

From BBC

The question is whether Herbert can finally join that top tier.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• category 
• layer 
• row