Word
stockpile
Phoneticsstock·pile, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstɑkˌpaɪɫ/
UK/stˈɒkpaɪl/
Definitions
01a large supply
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a large amount of something, like food or fuel, that you keep in a safe place to use later.
n. a large accumulated stock of goods or materials held in reserve for future use, especially during a shortage.
“The country keeps a large stockpile of oil in case of a global emergency.”
“The government maintained a strategic stockpile of essential medical supplies to ensure readiness for any potential public health crisis.”
02mining/industry
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. a large pile of coal or metal rocks kept on the ground after being taken from a mine.
n. a large, outdoor mound of ore, coal, or other raw materials stored at a mine or industrial site.
“Huge stockpiles of coal were visible near the entrance of the power plant.”
“Environmental regulations require the mining company to cover its iron ore stockpiles to prevent dust from blowing into the nearby village.”
03to accumulate
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to collect and store a large amount of something so you have it for the future.
v. to accumulate a large supply of goods or resources, often as a precautionary measure against future scarcity.
“Some people started to stockpile water and canned food before the storm arrived.”
“Anticipating a significant disruption in the supply chain, the manufacturer began to stockpile raw materials six months in advance.”
Usage
This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“The country entered the pandemic with its stockpile of masks, gowns and gloves in a "perilous state" and was "simply not ready to compete" in the global race to secure new supplies, Hallett said.” “The UK entered the pandemic with its stockpile of masks, gowns and gloves in a perilous state and was unprepared for the global race to secure supplies, she added.” “It has manufactured and stockpiled around 620,000 doses.” Etymology
The noun is derived from stock (“supply of anything ready for use”) + pile (“mass of things heaped together”). The verb is derived from the noun.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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