Piling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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piling
[ˈpaɪlɪŋ ]
Definitions
construction
A structure of piles driven into the ground to support a building or other structure.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| piling |
Used to describe a series of posts driven into the ground to support a structure, most commonly found in construction and maritime settings.
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| foundation |
Refers to the underlying base or groundwork of a building, often made of concrete, stone, or brick. It can also refer to the basic principle or concept upon which something is built.
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| support |
Can be used more broadly to refer to any element that helps bear the weight of a structure or provides assistance in various contexts, from physical support to emotional and financial backing.
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| pillar |
Describes a strong vertical structure used to support a building or other construction. It can also mean a mainstay or a major supporter of a concept or organization.
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Examples of usage
- The piling for the new bridge was completed ahead of schedule.
- The engineer inspected the piling to ensure its stability.
marine
A structure made of piles used as a pier or a wharf.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| piling |
Used when referring to the vertical wooden, concrete, or steel structures driven into the ground to support a dock or other structure.
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| dock |
Typically refers to a platform for loading and unloading ships, or the area where ships are moored.
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| quay |
A quay is a solid, typically stone or concrete, platform lying alongside or projecting into water for loading and unloading ships.
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| jetty |
Refers to a long, narrow structure that projects from the shore into the water, used to protect the shore or harbor.
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Examples of usage
- The boats were docked along the piling at the harbor.
- The company invested in new piling for their shipping operations.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Construction
- In engineering, 'piling' refers to the deep foundation structures that help buildings stay strong and stable.
- Wooden, steel, or concrete piles are often driven deep into the ground to support heavy loads.
- The concept of piling is essential for construction in areas with soft or unstable ground to prevent sinking.
Linguistics
- 'Piling' is the gerund form of the verb 'pile,' showing an action of accumulating or stacking.
- The word has Old English roots, where 'pyldan' meant to heap or stack.
- Similar words in other languages, like 'empiler' in French or 'apilar' in Spanish, also refer to stacking or piling up items.
Psychology
- Cognitive psychologists say that people often pile up their tasks mentally, which can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed.
- To manage stress from life's demands, some recommend 'piling' tasks by priority to make them easier to tackle.
- Visualizing tasks as physical piles can help in organizing thoughts and reducing anxiety.
Pop Culture
- The popular board game 'Jenga' involves piling wooden blocks, which adds an element of fun and suspense.
- In cooking shows, chefs often demonstrate 'piling' ingredients creatively to make dishes visually appealing.
- Social media trends sometimes feature people piling unusual items together for comedic purposes, showcasing the playful aspect of stacking.
Nature
- Ants are known to pile food in their colonies to store it for later use, showing teamwork in nature.
- In some animal species, like squirrels, they pile nuts to prepare for winter, demonstrating survival instincts.
- Sand dunes are naturally formed by wind piling sand, creating beautiful and ever-changing landscapes.
Origin of 'piling'
The word 'piling' originated from the verb 'pile' which comes from the Old French word 'piler' meaning 'to thrust down, drive in'. The concept of piling as a construction method dates back to ancient times, where wooden piles were used to support structures. Over the years, piling techniques have evolved, incorporating various materials and methods to ensure stability and strength in modern construction.