pillar

The Simple English Wikipedia has an article on:

Pillar

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈpɪlɚ/
• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈpɪlə/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: pil‧lar

Noun

Singular pillar

Plural pillars

1. (countable) A pillar is a vertical structure that typically exists to support a building, but can also stand on its own as a decoration.
2. (figurative) A pillar of something is a very essential part of it that provides support.

   James is the pillar of our community.