stockpile

[stok-pahyl]

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.

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

/ ˈstɒkˌpaɪl /

verb

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

noun

1. a large store or supply accumulated for future use

Other Word Forms

• stockpiler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stockpile¹

First recorded in 1915–20; stock + pile ¹

Example Sentences

China has increased its oil imports and stockpiles as its economy has ascended over the past two decades.

Read more on Barron's

"This is the consensus -- and also being confirmed by the Iranian government -- that the stockpile of enriched uranium is still there, so we need to check on that," Grossi said on Wednesday.

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He imagined himself showing them the stockpile under his bed.

Read more on Literature

Temu has adopted various strategies to remain competitive amid uncertain trade policies, such as encouraging merchants to stockpile goods in U.S. warehouses.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Ukraine has used those it has primarily for firing off its limited stockpile of French and British cruise missiles and to chase down some Russian drones and missiles.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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