heap

[ heep ]

noun

1. a group of things placed, thrown, or lying one on another; pile:

   a heap of stones.

   Synonyms: collection, accumulation, stack, mass

2. Informal. a great quantity or number; multitude:

   a heap of people.

3. Slang. an automobile, especially a dilapidated one.

verb (used with object)

1. to gather, put, or cast in a heap; pile (often followed by up, on, together, etc.).
2. to accumulate or amass (often followed by up or together ):

   to heap up riches.

3. to give, assign, or bestow in great quantity; load (often followed by on or upon ):

   to heap blessings upon someone; to heap someone with work.

4. to load, supply, or fill abundantly:

   to heap a plate with food.

verb (used without object)

1. to become heaped or piled, as sand or snow; rise in a heap or heaps (often followed by up ).

heap

/ hiːp /

noun

1. a collection of articles or mass of material gathered together in one place
2. informal.
   often pluralusually foll byof a large number or quantity
3. give them heaps slang.
   to contend strenuously with an opposing sporting team
4. give it heaps slang.
   to try very hard
5. informal.
   a place or thing that is very old, untidy, unreliable, etc

   the car was a heap

adverb

1. heaps
   (intensifier)

   he said he was feeling heaps better

verb

1. often foll byup or together to collect or be collected into or as if into a heap or pile

   to heap up wealth

2. tr; often foll by with, on, or upon to load or supply (with) abundantly

   to heap with riches

Derived Forms

• ˈheaper, noun

Other Words From

• heaper noun
• heapy adjective
• over·heap verb (used with object)
• un·heaped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of heap¹

First recorded before 900; 1925–30 heap fordef 3; Middle English heep, Old English hēap; cognate with Dutch hoop, Old High German houf; akin to German Haufe

Word History and Origins

Origin of heap¹

Old English héap; related to Old Frisian hāp, Old Saxon hōp, Old High German houf

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. all of a heap, Informal.
   1. overwhelmed with astonishment; amazed:

      We were struck all of a heap upon hearing of their divorce.

   2. suddenly; abruptly;

      All of a heap the room was empty.

Example Sentences

For now, let’s celebrate the end of the most vexing, mean-spirited and household-dividing presidential election in modern times, as it heaves itself across the finish line and crumples in a lousy heap.

From Los Angeles Times

He added: "Any extra funding that might reach providers will be wiped off instantly by the increases in National Insurance and minimum pay which will together heap further pressure on social care providers."

From BBC

The arrival of North Korean forces in Kursk could heap further pressure on Kyiv's embattled troops.

From BBC

A sequel to 2015's Inside Out, Riley is now a teenager with a whole heap of new emotions to deal with, including anxiety and embarrassment.

From BBC

“We are afraid of more displacement. I used to live in a house, but now we live in a tent. I used to go to school, but now I just try to help my dad with his work fixing mobile phones. Just like our home, my life is now a heap of black ashes.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bundle
• clump
• jumble
• lump
• stack
• ton