Pile up
/paɪl ʌp/B1
PreIntermediate
1. To accumulate or gather together a large amount of something in a disorganized way.
- The papers started to pile up on his desk as the deadline approached.
- Dirty laundry tends to pile up if you don't do it regularly.
2. To gradually increase in quantity, especially in a way that causes problems or concerns.
- Traffic began to pile up on the motorway due to an earlier accident.
- Debt can pile up quickly if you don't manage your finances carefully.
3. To crash or collide, often used in the context of vehicles or traffic accidents.
- Cars piled up on the freeway after the sudden downpour.
- There was a huge pile-up on the interstate, causing a major traffic jam.
Synonyms:
More Phrasal Verbs:
This word has no synonymsFAQ
© 2025 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd