Meaning & Definition of word "Heap"

Heap

/hiːp/

noun:

  • 1. A collection of things thrown together in a pile.
    • Example: There was a heap of leaves in the backyard.
  • 2. A large amount or quantity.
    • Example: She has a heap of work to finish before the deadline.
  • 3. A disorderly or disorganized collection.
    • Example: The room was in a heap, with clothes strewn everywhere.

verb:

  • 1. To put things in a pile or to gather into a mass.
    • Example: He heaped the dirt into the wheelbarrow.
  • 2. To accumulate or to collect in large amounts.
    • Example: They heaped praise on her for her brilliant performance.

Etymology

Middle English 'hepe', from Old English 'hēap'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

a heap of:

a large amount of something.

heaps of:

a lot of; many.

heap onto:

to put or load a lot onto something.

a heap of trouble:

a great deal of trouble.

Related Words

mound:

A rounded mass or pile of a certain substance.

pile:

A collection of things stacked on top of one another.

Slang Meanings of heap

Meaning: A lot or many.

Example Sentence: We've got a heap of work to do.

Meaning: In poor condition; used to describe a bad car or object.

Example Sentence: That old car is a heap.