Heap
/hiːp/
Definitions
3 meaningsA collection of things thrown or placed one on another.
/hiːp/
An unorganized pile or mass of things.
She had a heap of presents on her birthday.
💡 Simply: Imagine your toys scattered on the floor, all in a big clump. That's a heap!
👶 For kids: A heap is a big pile of stuff!
More Examples
The gardener created a compost heap in the corner of the garden.
A heap of leaves had collected in the yard.
How It's Used
"There was a heap of clothes on the floor."
"The construction crew moved a large heap of sand."
"The program utilizes a heap to manage memory."
To form into a heap; to pile up.
/hiːp/
To put things in a heap or piles.
She heaped the vegetables onto her plate.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a big pile of your favorite things. That's heaping!
👶 For kids: To heap means to make a big pile!
More Examples
The children heaped sand into a giant pile on the beach.
He heaped the blame on the assistant, even though it was his mistake.
How It's Used
"He heaped the dishes in the sink."
"She heaped praise on his work."
A large quantity; a lot of something (informal).
/hiːp/
A large quantity.
They had a heap of fun at the party.
💡 Simply: When you have a 'heap' of something, it means you have a lot. Like, 'I have a heap of homework!'
👶 For kids: A heap can also mean a lot!
More Examples
I have a heap of work to do this week.
There was a heap of snow on the ground.
How It's Used
"She has a heap of friends."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a heap of trouble
A significant amount of difficulty or problems.
"If you don't follow the rules, you could get a heap of trouble."
heap upon
To give (something) in a large amount.
"The critics heaped praise upon the film."
From Old English *hēap* ('pile, mound'), related to Proto-Germanic *haupaz* ('heap, cluster').
The word 'heap' has been used since Old English times to describe piles or masses.
Memory tip
Think of a pile of things haphazardly arranged.
Word Origin
"pile, mound, cluster"