Stockpile: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to a large amount of supplies or goods that are stored for future use, typically for emergency or long-term planning.

• The government decided to stockpile medical supplies in case of another pandemic
• Farmers are stockpiling grain before the winter season

Used to refer to a portion set aside for future use, especially to be used in specific or formal situations.

• The company keeps a financial reserve for unexpected expenses
• The museum has a reserve collection that is not on public display

Commonly used when referring to a hidden or secure collection of items, often in a context where they need to be retrieved secretly or stored for some special purpose.

• The hikers found a cache of supplies hidden under the rocks
• The programmer cleared the cache to speed up the system

Often associated with accumulating items in excess and usually has a negative connotation, implying greed or unnecessary accumulation.

• He has a tendency to hoard old newspapers in his attic
• During the crisis, people started to hoard toilet paper and bottled water

Informally refers to a small amount of something that is kept hidden or stored away, usually for personal use.

• She has a stash of chocolate hidden in her desk drawer
• The thieves found his stash of cash under the floorboards

Typically used when referring to collecting large quantities of supplies or materials for future use, often in preparation for emergencies or shortages.

• Governments often stockpile medical supplies to prepare for pandemics.
• The company decided to stockpile raw materials to avoid disruptions in production.

Implied when referring to gathering a large quantity, often used with wealth, data, or an impressive collection. It emphasizes the effort put into gathering something substantial.

• She managed to amass a fortune through her business ventures.
• Over the years, he amassed an impressive amount of scientific data.

Used when describing the gradual gathering or increase of things over time, often in a general or neutral context.

• Dust accumulated on the shelves over the years.
• He accumulated a vast collection of rare coins.

Commonly used when referring to bringing together people, objects, or information, often in a more casual or social context.

• They gathered around the table to discuss the project.
• She gathered flowers from the garden for the bouquet.

Has a negative connotation and is used when talking about keeping large amounts of items secretly or in a selfish manner, typically more than is considered necessary or reasonable.

• He began to hoard food during the crisis, leaving little for others.
• They found a hidden room where the old man had hoarded money and old newspapers.