accumulation

noun

ac·​cu·​mu·​la·​tion ə-ˌkyü-m(y)ə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: something that has accumulated or has been accumulated

an impressive accumulation of knowledge

2

: the action or process of accumulating something : the state of being or having accumulated

the steady accumulation of snow

3

: increase or growth by addition especially when continuous or repeated

accumulation of interest

Synonyms

• collection
• mixture
• cumulation
• pile
• assemblage
• jumble
• accretion
• gathering

Examples of accumulation in a Sentence

a vast accumulation of evidence about the dangers of smoking

the accumulation of leaves on the ground is proceeding at a much faster rate than my raking

Recent Examples on the Web

Regional Concentration Patterns The inventory accumulation is particularly pronounced in SunBelt markets that experienced rapid construction growth during the pandemic. —Brad Hunter, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Together, this combination causes the accumulation of astrocytic GABA and excessive tonic inhibition in key brain regions like the PFC. —Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025

Two key Loons starters — midfielder Joaquin Pereyra and center back Nico Romero — were suspended for yellow-card accumulation. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 27 July 2025

Certain foods, usually those high in sodium or sugar, also promote fluid accumulation and venous stagnation, which inevitably leads to swollen and painful legs. —Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 25 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French accumulacion, borrowed from Latin accumulātiōn-, accumulātiō, from accumulāre "to accumulate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing accumulation

• point of accumulation

Rhymes for accumulation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration
• affiliation

Kids Definition

accumulation

noun

ac·​cu·​mu·​la·​tion ə-ˌkyü-myə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: a collecting together : amassing

2

: increase or growth by addition

3

: something accumulated : collection

Legal Definition

accumulation

noun

ac·​cu·​mu·​la·​tion

: increase or growth by addition especially when continuous or repeated

specifically : an increase in the amount of a fund or property by the continuous addition to it of the income or interest it generates

to treat a stock dividend as principal when local law classifies it as income may be deemed an accumulation

—W. M. McGovern, Jr. et al.

see also accumulation trust at trust

Note: Because they prevent the enjoyment and benefit of wealth, accumulations are deemed contrary to public policy. A provision in a will for an accumulation will be invalidated if found to be unreasonable by the court.