stile

1
[ stahyl ]

noun
  1. a series of steps or rungs by means of which a person may pass over a wall or fence that remains a barrier to sheep or cattle.

Origin of stile

1
before 900; Middle English; Old English stigel, derivative of stīgan to climb, cognate with German steigen

Words that may be confused with stile

Other definitions for stile (2 of 2)

stile2
[ stahyl ]

nounCarpentry, Furniture.
  1. any of various upright members framing panels or the like, as in a system of paneling, a paneled door, window sash, or chest of drawers.: Compare rail1 (def. 8).

Origin of stile

2
1670–80; perhaps <Dutch stijl (door-, bed-) post, strut

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use stile in a sentence

  • Again he started and again pulled in when he caught sight of three horses hitched near the stiles.

  • Dost think, child, that my limbs were made for leaping of ditches, and clambering over stiles?

    The Beaux-Stratagem | George Farquhar
  • Set out the stiles with a marking knife or penknife and a try square, as shown at Fig. 178.

    Woodwork Joints | William Fairham
  • Did the stranger object to jumping ditches and climbing stiles?

    My Little Sister | Elizabeth Robins

British Dictionary definitions for stile (1 of 2)

stile1

/ (staɪl) /


noun
  1. a set of steps or rungs in a wall or fence to allow people, but not animals, to pass over

  2. short for turnstile

Origin of stile

1
Old English stigel; related to stīgan to climb, Old High German stigilla; see stair

British Dictionary definitions for stile (2 of 2)

stile2

/ (staɪl) /


noun
  1. a vertical framing member in a door, window frame, or piece of panelling: Compare rail 1 (def. 3)

Origin of stile

2
C17: probably from Dutch stijl pillar, ultimately from Latin stilus writing instrument; see style

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