heap
0 antonyms and opposites of heap, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A pile of things gathered or thrown together.
How to use heap
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English hēap, related to words in other Germanic languages meaning "pile" or "hill."
Full origin of heap →Frequently asked questions
What does “heap” mean?
The word “heap” means a pile of things gathered or thrown together. In plain terms, a pile of things, or informally, a large quantity.
How do you pronounce “heap”?
“Heap” is pronounced heep (/hiːp/ in IPA).
How do you use “heap” in a sentence?
Here is “heap” used in a sentence: “He left his clothes in a heap on the floor.”
What is another word for “heap”?
Words with a similar meaning to “heap” include heap up and pile up.
What part of speech is “heap”?
Depending on how it is used, “heap” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “heap” come from?
The word “heap” comes from Old English. From Old English hēap, related to words in other Germanic languages meaning "pile" or "hill.".
Is “heap” a common word?
“Heap” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “heap” have?
“Heap” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a pile of things gathered or thrown together.
What is the difference between heap and pile?
Heap and pile both describe things gathered together, but heap often carries a slightly more disorderly or haphazard connotation, while pile can suggest a more orderly stack. In casual speech, though, the two are frequently used interchangeably.
Is heap used informally to mean 'a lot'?
Yes, informally a heap can mean a large amount or number of something, as in 'a heap of trouble' or 'heaps of time.' This figurative use is common in casual British and Australian English especially.
How is heap used as a verb?
As a verb, to heap means to pile things up into a mound, or to give something in large amounts, as in 'heap praise on someone.' Both uses involve the idea of accumulating something in quantity.