stock·pile
ˈstäk-ˌpī(-ə)l 
: a storage pile: such as
a
: a reserve supply of something essential accumulated within a country for use during a shortage
b
: a gradually accumulated reserve of something
… avert stockpiles of unsold cars.—
Bert Pierce
Bert Pierce
stockpiled; stockpiling; stockpiles
1
: to place or store in or on a stockpile
2
: to accumulate a stockpile of
a country suspected of stockpiling weapons
stockpiler
noun
Examples of stockpile in a Sentence
Noun
a stockpile of medical supplies
an emergency stockpile of potable water and canned goods in the cellar
Verb
The government stockpiled vaccines to prepare for a flu epidemic.
we should be able to stockpile enough vaccine for the upcoming flu season
Recent Examples on the Web
Dylan Butts, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026
Concerns are mounting across the Middle East about the stockpile of weapons needed to defend against Iranian attacks.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026
Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026
Authorities identify Ecuador as a critical logistical hub in the global drug trade, where drugs — particularly cocaine — are stockpiled, stored and distributed, especially from the northern border with Colombia.
—ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stockpile
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Noun
However, the country is understood to have large stockpiles and may be capable of producing hundreds more each week, military experts reportedly told The National newspaper.
—Dylan Butts, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026
Concerns are mounting across the Middle East about the stockpile of weapons needed to defend against Iranian attacks.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
Just stockpile any extra and use it to replenish the path in future years.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026
Authorities identify Ecuador as a critical logistical hub in the global drug trade, where drugs — particularly cocaine — are stockpiled, stored and distributed, especially from the northern border with Colombia.
—ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stockpile
Cite this Entry
“Stockpile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stockpile. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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