rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypileHeap or stack
noun / verb

pile

PYLE/paɪl/

A heap or stack of things, or to gather things into one.

The loose stones form an irregular pile with an uneven peak.

A single irregular heap of loose stones, visibly resting one on top of another, with a broad base and uneven peak.
Etymology
pileLatinpillar, stone barrier

Pila meant a pillar or stone barrier. The proposed meaning shift runs from a stone pier or harbor wall to something heaped up, extending the image of accumulated stones to heaps generally.

In context

Gary DeVries4:19
you're going to constantly be making choices now the one problem with having a pile with garbage cards on it is you know you can't quite move it
spider solitaire tips and strategies (difficult 4 suits)

More examples

  • She piles the books neatly beside her bed.
  • Dirty dishes are piling up in the sink.
  • We sort the clothes into piles by color.

Forms

pile · piles · piled · piling

Similar words

heap
Usually suggests a loose, untidy collection rather than orderly layers.
stack
Suggests things arranged neatly, one on top of another.
mound
Emphasizes a rounded raised shape, often of earth or sand.