IPA: /paɪl/
KK: /paɪl/
To gather or accumulate in a disorganized way, often forming a heap or stack.
The children began to pile their toys in the corner of the room.
Past: piled
Past Participle: piled
A quantity of items that are stacked or thrown together in a heap.
She placed a pile of books on the table.
To stack or arrange things in a heap or a large amount.
She piled the books on the table before leaving the room.
Past: piled
Past Participle: piled
The word 'pile' originates from Old French 'pile' (meaning a heap or stack), which in turn comes from Latin 'pila' (meaning a pillar or a ball). The word 'pile' refers to a heap or stack of items, resembling a pillar in its stacked form.
Imagine a 'heap' or 'stack' of items forming a tall 'pillar' — that's how you can remember that 'pile' means a collection of things stacked together.