pile Definition
- 1a quantity of things heaped together, often in a disorderly way
- 2a large imposing building or group of buildings
- 3a heavy post driven vertically into the ground to form part of a foundation or support for a structure
Using pile: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pile" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
There was a pile of books on the desk.
Example
The old factory was replaced by a new office pile.
Example
The house was built on a pile foundation.
Example
He drove a pile into the ground to anchor the tent.
pile Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using pile
Example
The garage was filled with a pile of junk that needed to be thrown away.
Example
After quitting smoking, she began to pile on the pounds.
to exaggerate or overstate something, often in a way that is insincere or manipulative
Example
The salesman really piled it on thick to try to get me to buy the car.
Phrases with pile
pile up
to accumulate or increase in quantity over time
Example
The dishes began to pile up in the sink.
Example
After the team lost the game, the coach piled on the criticism.
Example
The kids piled into the car for the trip to the amusement park.
Origins of pile
from Latin 'pila', meaning 'pillar'
Summary: pile in Brief
The term 'pile' [pʌɪl] refers to a heap of things, often in a disorderly way, or a large imposing building. It can also mean a heavy post driven vertically into the ground to form part of a foundation or support for a structure. The phrase 'pile up' denotes accumulation, while 'pile on' means to add more of something, especially criticism or pressure. 'Pile of junk' refers to a collection of useless or unwanted objects, while 'pile on the pounds' means to gain weight quickly and noticeably.
