Definition

A situation where aircraft are waiting in the air at different heights before they can land, often due to traffic at the airport.

Example

The stackup of planes waiting to land caused delays at the airport.

Conversation

Did you hear about the stackup at the airport yesterday?

Yeah, it caused a lot of delays for incoming flights.

I can't believe how chaotic it must have been with that stackup.

Right? I would have been so frustrated waiting to land.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Stackup → It is formed from "stack" (from Old English *stacian*, meaning to arrange or pile) and "up" (meaning in a higher position). The word "stackup" refers to the act of arranging or piling things in a higher position or quantity.

Memory Tip

Think of arranging things into a pile ('stack') and placing them higher ('up') — that's what stackup means.

Visually Confused Words