heap

The word “heap” means a pile of things gathered or thrown together. In plain terms, a pile of things, or informally, a large quantity.

“Heap” is pronounced heep (/hiːp/ in IPA).

Here is “heap” used in a sentence: “He left his clothes in a heap on the floor.”

Words with a similar meaning to “heap” include heap up and pile up.

Depending on how it is used, “heap” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “heap” comes from Old English. From Old English hēap, related to words in other Germanic languages meaning "pile" or "hill.".

“Heap” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Heap” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a pile of things gathered or thrown together.

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.

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.

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.