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 of accumulation

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

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

The measurements showed spin accumulation at the chiral copper surface, supporting the idea that the helical structure was creating spin polarization. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026

The disease in her liver and abdomen was causing ascites, an abnormal accumulation of fluid inside the abdomen that can cause significant swelling, bloating, pain and sometimes shortness of breath. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 10 Aug. 2026

The country’s central bank also ramped up additions to its bullion reserves, with July’s addition of 640,000 ounces marking the 21st straight month of accumulation, data released on Friday showed. — Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026

Strategy, which pivoted to bitcoin accumulation in 2020, holds nearly 850,000 BTC, often acquired via debt. — Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

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.