What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stash
Example
He had a stash of candy hidden in his room. [stash: noun]
Example
She decided to stash some money away for emergencies. [stash: verb]
stockpile
Example
The country has a stockpile of weapons for defense. [stockpile: noun]
Example
He began to stockpile food and water in preparation for the hurricane. [stockpile: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stockpile is more commonly used than stash in everyday language. Stockpile is a more versatile term that can be used in various contexts, such as military, economic, or environmental, while stash is less common and often associated with illegal or secretive activities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stash and stockpile?
Both stash and stockpile are informal terms, but stockpile can be used in more formal contexts, such as academic or professional writing, due to its versatility and neutral connotation.