Word
Definition
n. a tall tower used for storing grain on a farm. In business, it also describes a system or department that works alone and does not share information with others.
n. a tall, cylindrical structure used for bulk storage of grain or fermented animal feed. In organizational contexts, refers to a functional unit or department that operates in isolation from others, often hindering communication.
Examples
“The farm has a large silver silo for storing corn.”
“The marketing team is stuck in a silo and rarely talks to the product developers.”
“Breaking down corporate silos is essential for fostering innovation, as it allows diverse teams to share data and insights that would otherwise remain trapped within departmental boundaries.”
Examples
simple
“The farm has a large silver silo for storing corn.”
contextual
“The marketing team is stuck in a silo and rarely talks to the product developers.”
complex
“Breaking down corporate silos is essential for fostering innovation, as it allows diverse teams to share data and insights that would otherwise remain trapped within departmental boundaries.”
Usage
Often used metaphorically in business and computing to describe isolated systems or teams.
Etymology
From Spanish silo, of unclear origin. See Spanish silo for more.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/silo
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0