What does pillaring mean?
Pillaring denotes the use or arrangement of pillars as structural supports, particularly in architecture. The noun can refer both to the act of supporting a building with pillars and to the resulting framework or group of columns. In adjectival use, pillaring describes columns or structures that support or form part of a larger construction. Its associations are chiefly architectural and technical, giving it a formal, descriptive character rather than the broader figurative sense of pillar as a person or principle that provides support. The word is especially useful when the focus is on the arrangement or supporting function of columns rather than on an individual pillar. In older buildings, descriptions may also refer to exposed, restored, or concealed structural pillaring. Although not rare, it is less frequent in everyday language than the basic noun pillar and the adjective pillared.
The use or arrangement of pillars to support a structure, or the supporting framework formed by them.
"The restoration uncovered evidence of the original stone pillaring."
Chiefly used in architectural and structural contexts; the plural form is rare.
Supported by pillars or consisting of pillars.
"Tall, pillaring columns support the open gallery."
This is a participled adjective and is typically placed directly before the noun it modifies.
The plural is grammatical but rare; the uncountable form is normally preferred.
"Several distinct pillarrings survive in the building's western aisle."
Pillar comes from Latin pila, a masonry support—a root that also gave us the pilaster, a flattened rectangular column attached to a wall.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pillaring
Pillar entered Middle English through Anglo-French piler, from Latin pila, a masonry support or column. The present form pillaring was formed from pillar with the suffix -ing and can function as a verbal noun or participial adjective. Pilaster and pillary also reflect the Latin pillar-family of words, with the pilaster denoting a shallow rectangular column attached to a wall.
Related word forms
How pillaring is actually used
Pillaring is less common than pillar in general use but is especially appropriate in architectural and structural description. As an adjective, it normally occurs before a noun such as columns, arches, or a structure.
Easily confused with pillaring
Pillaring refers to the use or arrangement of supporting pillars, whereas piling more often denotes an individual foundation post driven into the ground.