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Synonyms

piles

British  
/ paɪlz /

plural noun

  1. a nontechnical name for haemorrhoids

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of piles

C15: from Latin pilae balls (referring to the appearance of external piles)

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

People she met included a widow estranged from her adult children over financial woes, who stored piles of their belongings at their mother's home.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

He’d stand in the aisles overwhelmed by the Technicolor labels, the piles of Edenic produce, and the thought that his family — wherever they may be — might not be able to afford food.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Mounting piles of garbage, stagnant water and a crumbling health system fueled outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses, further scaring away tourists.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Others are land, often privately owned and in the countryside, which has been used to dump huge piles of rubbish.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

It’s like an entirely new home—fresh air, fewer piles, shiny tables.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

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