haystack

noun

hay·​stack ˈhā-ˌstak 

1

: a stack of hay

2

: a vertical standing wave in turbulent river waters

Examples of haystack in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Teams had to choose between finding a bracelet in ginormous haystacks and delivering heaps of heavy wood via backpack and wheelbarrow, and both tasks turned out to be feats of strength. —Nick Caruso, TVLine, 16 Apr. 2025

Finding a great mascara can feel a bit like finding a needle in the haystack — especially when there are hundreds on the market, ranging in price from pennies to a number that seems ridiculous to spend on a small tube. —Abby Kass, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025

For a property worth the splurge, Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa sits right on the beach, with spacious rooms featuring cast-iron soaking tubs and locally made bath salts, plus views of Pacific City’s haystack rock from a private balcony. —Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2025

Old men who leap naked over haystacks are no particular delight to me, either. —Joy Williams, Harper's Magazine, 2 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing haystack

• a needle in a haystack

Rhymes for haystack

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

Kids Definition

haystack

noun

hay·​stack -ˌstak 

: a stack of hay