Pile

Definition

Pile is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it means a heap or stack of things. As a verb, it means to arrange things in a heap or to gather in large numbers.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /paɪl/
• Respelling: pyle

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /paɪl/
• Respelling: pyle

Etymology

The word "pile" originates from the Latin "pila," meaning "pillar" or "heap." It entered Middle English through Old French in the 14th century.

Derivatives

• Piled (adjective)
• Piling (noun)
• Pileup (noun)
• Overpile (verb)
• Repile (verb)

Synonyms

• Heap
• Stack
• Mass

Antonyms

• Spread
• Scatter
• Disperse

Usage

The term "pile" is often used to describe a collection of things or the action of stacking them. For example, "There’s a pile of books on the table," or "They piled the logs by the fireplace."

Related Terms

• Cluster: A group of things close together.
• Collection: An accumulation of items.
• Accumulation: The act of gathering or amassing something.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A heap or stack of things:
  • Example: "The clothes were left in a pile on the floor."
• A large quantity of something:
  • Example: "He has a pile of work to do."

Verb

• To arrange things into a heap or stack:
  • Example: "They piled the plates on the kitchen counter."
• To gather or accumulate in large numbers:
  • Example: "People piled into the bus as it arrived."