Heap

/hiːp/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A collection of things thrown together in a pile.
There was a heap of leaves in the backyard.
A large amount or quantity.
She has a heap of work to finish before the deadline.
A disorderly or disorganized collection.
The room was in a heap, with clothes strewn everywhere.
verb
To put things in a pile or to gather into a mass.
He heaped the dirt into the wheelbarrow.
To accumulate or to collect in large amounts.
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

A lot or many.
We've got a heap of work to do.
In poor condition; used to describe a bad car or object.
That old car is a heap.