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

Energy companies have stockpiled spare parts to make repairs.

From The Wall Street Journal

The U.S. economy did contract in the first quarter, but that result was distorted by a rush of imports as companies sought to stockpile goods ahead of tariffs.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Meanwhile, the refined metal flows are being disrupted by tariff risks and unusually high U.S. stockpiles.”

From Barron's

That could create a repeat of the buying spree earlier this year, as companies rushed to stockpile inventory ahead of tariffs.

From Barron's

Some of the companies in the new round of deals also agreed to donate the main ingredients for certain medicines to a national stockpile, to be available in the event of a national emergency.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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