piling

American  

[pahy-ling] / ˈpaɪ lɪŋ /

noun

1. a mass of building piles considered collectively.

2. a structure composed of piles.

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piling British  

/ ˈpaɪlɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of driving piles

2. a number of piles

3. a structure formed of piles

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Etymology

Origin of piling

First recorded in 1400–50, piling is from the late Middle English word pylyng; pile ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

For weeks, traders on the crypto-based prediction market had been piling into bets on whether U.S. forces would enter Iran by April 30.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

The tech sector is already slamming the brakes on some of its more lavish spending, and private consumer debts are piling up.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

Locals apologize for the trash piling up on street corners, as garbage pickup has halted.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

These ridges form when chunks of sea ice are pushed toward the coast, piling up until they become thick enough to rest on the seafloor.

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2026

Jason was piling the mashed potatoes on his plate with a practiced and steady motion.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman

Related Words

• girder
• joist
• pillar
• plank
• pole
• shaft
• sill
• timber