# stockpiling

/ˈstɑkˌpaɪɫɪŋ/ (US) · /stˈɒkpaɪlɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stockpiling
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.