tier Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
    grade; level.
    • lumber of the highest grade
  2. noun any one of two or more competitors who tie one another
  3. noun a worker who ties something
    tier up.
  4. noun something that is used for tying
    • the sail is fastened to the yard with tiers
  5. noun one of two or more layers one atop another
    • tier upon tier of huge casks
    • a three-tier wedding cake

WordNet

Ti"er noun
Definitions
  1. One who, or that which, ties.
Ti"er noun
Etymology
See Tire a headdress.
Definitions
  1. A chold's apron covering the upper part of the body, and tied with tape or cord; a pinafore. Written also tire.
Tier noun
Etymology
Perhaps fr. OF. tire, F. tire; probably of Teutonic origin; cf. OHG. ziari ornament, G. zier, AS. tir glory, tiér row, rank. But cf. also F. tirer to draw, pull; of Teutonic origin. Cf. Attire, v. t., Tire a headdress, but also Tirade.
Definitions
  1. A row or rank, especially one of two or more rows placed one above, or higher than, another; as, a tier of seats in a theater.

Webster 1913