stockpile

1 of 2

noun

stock·​pile ˈstäk-ˌpī(-ə)l How to pronounce stockpile (audio)
Synonyms of stockpilenext
: a storage pile: such as
a
: a reserve supply of something essential accumulated within a country for use during a shortage
b
: a gradually accumulated reserve of something
… avert stockpiles of unsold cars.Bert Pierce

stockpile

2 of 2

verb

stockpiled; stockpiling; stockpiles

transitive verb

1
: to place or store in or on a stockpile
2
: to accumulate a stockpile of
a country suspected of stockpiling weapons
stockpiler noun

Examples of stockpile in a Sentence

Noun a stockpile of medical supplies an emergency stockpile of potable water and canned goods in the cellar Verb The government stockpiled vaccines to prepare for a flu epidemic. we should be able to stockpile enough vaccine for the upcoming flu season
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In that previous agreement, Iran had agreed to relinquish 97% of its nuclear stockpile and 70% of its centrifuges -- the machines used to enrich uranium. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026 The Wall Street Journal recently reported that many companies raised prices in 2025 due to Trump’s chaotic tariffs and would continue doing so in 2026 as stockpiles expired. Angela Alsobrooks, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026 As the couple waits for the chicks to hatch, Shadow may begin more food deliveries to the nest, stockpiling in the pantry in preparation for their arrival, the nonprofit said. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stockpile

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1872, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stockpile was in 1872

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stockpile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stockpile. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

stockpile

noun
stock·​pile
ˈstäk-ˌpīl
: an extra supply especially of something necessary accumulated within a country for use during a shortage
stockpile verb

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