stockpile

American  

[stok-pahyl] / ˈstɒkˌpaɪl /

noun

1. a supply of material, as a pile of gravel in road maintenance.

2. a large supply of some metal, chemical, food, etc., gathered and held in reserve for use during a shortage or during a period of higher prices.

3. a quantity, as of munitions or weapons, accumulated for possible future use.

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verb (used with object)

stockpiled, stockpiling

1. to accumulate (material, goods, or the like) for future use; put or store in a stockpile.

verb (used without object)

stockpiled, stockpiling

1. to accumulate in a stockpile.

stockpile British  

/ ˈstɒkˌpaɪl /

verb

1. to acquire and store a large quantity of (something)

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noun

1. a large store or supply accumulated for future use

Other Word Forms

• stockpiler noun

Etymology

Origin of stockpile

First recorded in 1915–20; stock + pile ¹

Example Sentences

Demand from that market was a major growth driver for chip-equipment makers in recent years, but investors have been worried about U.S. export controls prompting companies in China to overbuy and stockpile unnecessary tools.

From MarketWatch

Is there a duct-tape, Apollo-mission solution to this existential problem that can be applied before the West’s stockpiles of essential refined minerals run out?

From MarketWatch

No longer could the Alabamas of the world simply stockpile players behind their starters for future seasons.

From The Wall Street Journal

Stronger exports in the second half of December may extend through the year-end, it says, though it adds that lingering concerns over rising Malaysian stockpiles may cap the upside on prices.

From The Wall Street Journal

With the market’s rally limiting opportunities to make large acquisitions, Berkshire sold more stocks than it bought and stockpiled cash.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• accumulation
• buildup
• cache
• hoard
• inventory
• nest egg
• reserve
• stash
• stock
• surplus