Hoard

/hɔːrd/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A collection of valuable things that are stored away.
The archaeologists discovered a hoard of ancient coins buried beneath the ruins.
An accumulation of something, especially when kept secret or hidden.
His hoard of books filled every corner of his small apartment.
verb
To gather and store away something valuable, often in a hidden or secret place.
During the pandemic, many people began to hoard essential supplies like toilet paper and disinfectants.
To accumulate a large amount of something over time without using it.
She tends to hoard old magazines, convinced she will read them someday.

Etymology

Middle English 'horde', from Old English 'hord', meaning 'treasure, a store, a stockpile'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

hoard away
To store something away for future use.
hoard mentality
The mindset of accumulating and not sharing resources.

Related Words

accumulate
To gather or collect items over time.
stash
A hidden store of valuable items.
cache
A store of goods or valuables that is hidden or stored away.

Slang Meanings

To keep a lot of something for oneself, often to the point of excess.
He's always trying to hoard the good snacks at the party.
To have a backup of something in case it runs out.
I like to hoard extra batteries just in case my flashlight dies.