Piling: meaning, definitions and examples

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piling

[ˈpaɪlɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

construction

A structure of piles driven into the ground to support a building or other structure.

Synonyms

foundation, pillar, support.

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. The builders used concrete pilings to support the new bridge. During the construction, wooden pilings were driven into the riverbed.
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. The house's foundation was laid in concrete. You need a strong foundation in mathematics to study engineering.
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. The beams provide support to the roof. He offered emotional support during her difficult time.
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. The ancient temple was supported by marble pillars. She is considered a pillar of the community due to her charitable work.

Examples of usage

The piling for the new bridge was completed ahead of schedule.
The engineer inspected the piling to ensure its stability.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

marine

A structure made of piles used as a pier or a wharf.

Synonyms

dock, jetty, quay.

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. The new bridge needed strong pilings to ensure its stability. They installed additional pilings to reinforce the old dock.
dock	Typically refers to a platform for loading and unloading ships, or the area where ships are moored. The cargo ship is scheduled to dock at pier 7. We waited at the dock for the boat to arrive.
quay	A quay is a solid, typically stone or concrete, platform lying alongside or projecting into water for loading and unloading ships. The old quay was bustling with activity as the ships came in. We took a walk along the quay, enjoying the view of the moored boats.
jetty	Refers to a long, narrow structure that projects from the shore into the water, used to protect the shore or harbor. The fishermen stood on the jetty, casting their lines into the sea. A storm had damaged the jetty, making it unsafe to walk on.

Examples of usage

The boats were docked along the piling at the harbor.
The company invested in new piling for their shipping operations.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "piling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pilotagem

🇮🇳 पाइलिंग

🇩🇪 Pfahlgründung

🇮🇩 penumpukan

🇺🇦 сваї

🇵🇱 piling

🇯🇵 杭打ち

🇫🇷 pieux

🇪🇸 pilas

🇹🇷 temel direk

🇰🇷 파일링

🇸🇦 تدعيم

🇨🇿 pilotáže

🇸🇰 pilotáž

🇨🇳 桩基

🇸🇮 založniški

🇮🇸 stapling

🇰🇿 тіректер

🇬🇪 პილინგი

🇦🇿 piling

🇲🇽 pilas

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,879, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
12876 blooming
12877 growled
12878 sleepy
12879 piling
12880 plunger
12881 signification
12882 sprinkled
...