Meaning & Definition of word "Pile"

Pile

/paɪl/

1. A collection of objects laid on top of one another.
- Example: She stacked the books into a neat pile on the table.
2. A large quantity or amount of something.
- Example: There was a pile of laundry waiting to be folded.
3. A heap or mass of something.
- Example: He built a pile of snow for his snowman.
4. In construction, a long, slender column that is driven into the ground to support a structure.
- Example: The engineers decided to use piles to support the new bridge.

1. To arrange or put things on top of one another.
- Example: Please pile the boxes in the corner.
2. To accumulate or increase in quantity.
- Example: The snow began to pile up quickly after the storm.

Middle English 'pile' from Old French 'pile' meaning 'pillar, stake, or mass'.

a pile of:

a large quantity of something.

pile on:

to increase something in quantity or intensity.

pile it on:

to exaggerate or intensify criticism or praise.

stack:

To arrange in a pile or in a stacked manner.

heap:

An untidy collection of things piled up haphazardly.

mound:

A rounded mass of earth or stones.

drumlin:

A smooth, oval-shaped hill formed by glacial action.

Meaning: A significant amount of something, often used informally.

Example Sentence: I’ve got a pile of homework to do tonight.

Meaning: To accumulate in a careless or excessive manner.

Example Sentence: Don't just pile your clothes on the chair!