Definition

A pile or heap of animal waste, often found in farms or rural areas, that can also refer to a dirty or unpleasant place or situation.

Example

The old farm was littered with a dunghill that attracted flies.

Conversation

I can't believe how messy that yard looked yesterday.

Yeah, it was like a dunghill out there!

I wonder how long it’s been like that.

Probably too long; it definitely needs some cleaning up.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dunghill → The word is formed from "dung" (from Old English "dung", meaning excrement or manure) and "hill" (from Old English "hyll", meaning a mound or heap). A dunghill refers to a heap or mound of dung, typically used as fertilizer.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'heap' ('hill') of 'excrement' ('dung') — that's what a dunghill is, a mound of manure.

Visually Confused Words