Word
stockpiling
Phoneticsstock·pil·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstɑkˌpaɪɫɪŋ/
UK/stˈɒkpaɪlɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of keeping a large amount of something, like food or medicine, for a long time. You usually do this to be ready for a future emergency or a shortage.
n. the accumulation and storage of large quantities of goods, typically for use in an emergency or to ensure future availability. Often implies a strategic or precautionary motive.
Examples
“The government is stockpiling medicine for the winter.”
“During the early stages of the pandemic, many households engaged in stockpiling essential supplies like toilet paper and canned goods.”
“Economists warned that excessive stockpiling of raw materials could lead to market volatility, as the sudden withdrawal of these goods from circulation would artificially inflate their perceived value.”
Examples
simple
“The government is stockpiling medicine for the winter.”
contextual
“During the early stages of the pandemic, many households engaged in stockpiling essential supplies like toilet paper and canned goods.”
complex
“Economists warned that excessive stockpiling of raw materials could lead to market volatility, as the sudden withdrawal of these goods from circulation would artificially inflate their perceived value.”
Real-World Examples
“While many communities are stockpiling sandbags, clearing culverts and preparing evacuation plans, there are limits on what they can do to stop erosion .” “The researchers note that measures such as national stockpiling programs or efforts to relocate production may lower risk for individual countries.” “Ninety-nine times out of 100 the mouse will tidy up throughout the night.”
A similar incident occurred in 2019, when a viral video showed a mouse “stockpiling” items in a man’s shed near Bristol.” Word family
NOUN
- 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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