B2noun1K

Pile

UK /["/paɪl/"]/US /["/paɪl/"]/

Definition

a number of things that have been placed on top of each other

In simple words: A group of things stacked on top of each other.

Examples

  • There was a pile of leaves in the backyard that needed to be raked.
  • She read a pile of books over the summer to prepare for her exams.
  • The children made a pile of snow for their snowman.
  • He helped his friend pile the boxes into the truck for the move.
  • After the storm, there was a pile of debris blocking the road.
  • The construction site had a pile of concrete ready for the foundation.
  • I need to pile my clothes neatly in the drawer to save space.
  • Don't forget to pile the dishes in the sink after dinner.

Usage notes

Use 'pile' when referring to a collection of items in a messy or unorganized way. It's suitable for both spoken and written contexts. Avoid in formal writing.

Grammar pattern

pile + object

Memory hint

Think of a big 'pile' of laundry on the floor.

Collocations

  • big
  • enormous
  • great
  • place something in/​into/​on
  • put something in/​into/​on
  • dump
  • amid a/​the pile
  • behind a/​the pile
  • beneath a/​the pile
  • be reduced to a pile of something
  • the bottom of the pile
  • the top of the pile
  • big
  • enormous
  • great
  • place something in/​into/​on
  • put something in/​into/​on
  • dump
  • amid a/​the pile
  • behind a/​the pile
  • beneath a/​the pile
  • be reduced to a pile of something
  • the bottom of the pile
  • the top of the pile
  • big
  • enormous
  • great
  • place something in/​into/​on
  • put something in/​into/​on
  • dump
  • amid a/​the pile
  • behind a/​the pile
  • beneath a/​the pile
  • be reduced to a pile of something
  • the bottom of the pile
  • the top of the pile

Synonyms

  • heap

Antonyms

  • unpile
  • scatter
  • disperse

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'piled' as the verb form.
  • Using 'pile' without specifying what is stacked.
  • Assuming 'pile' only refers to small items.