ENGLISH
REFERENCE

piling

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //ˈpaɪɫɪŋ// UK //pˈaɪlɪŋ// pil·ing

n. a heavy post or column made of wood, steel, or concrete that is driven into the ground. It provides a strong base for large structures like bridges or tall buildings.

n. a structural support member, such as a column or post, driven into the earth to provide a foundation for a heavy load. Often used in civil engineering to support structures on soft or unstable soil.


SIMPLE

The workers are driving the steel piling into the riverbed.

CONTEXTUAL

Engineers discovered that the original wooden piling had rotted, requiring a complete replacement with reinforced concrete.

COMPLEX

The stability of the entire skyscraper depends on the integrity of the deep-sea piling, which must withstand both the immense weight of the tower and the corrosive effects of saltwater.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used as an uncountable collective noun for a series of supports, or as a countable noun for a single post.

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