piled high

USAGE SUMMARY

"piled high" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a large quantity of something, such as in the sentence: "The breakfast table was piled high with pancakes and bacon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There it is, piled high.

The New York Times

And the snows piled high.

The New York Times

Snow is piled high outside my dorm.

The New York Times

LOS ANGELES — The shrimp was piled high.

The New York Times

The wheelbarrow is piled high with boards.

The New Yorker

Garbage piled high in the muddy streets.

The New York Times

Her dark brown hair is piled high.

The Washington Post

He was piled high with clothes.

The New Yorker

Dirty dishes piled high in the kitchen.

The Guardian

Dishes were piled high in the sink.

The New York Times

Things were piled high in the box.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "piled high" to vividly describe a generous quantity or accumulation of something. For example, "The table was piled high with gifts."

Common error

Avoid using "pile high" as a verb; it's an adjective phrase. Instead of saying "They pile high the plates", say "They pile the plates high" or "The plates are piled high".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "piled high" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a large quantity or accumulation. It describes the state of something being full or overflowing, as seen in examples like "The shrimp was piled high" or "Dishes were piled high in the sink" as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Food

15%

Travel

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "piled high" is a versatile adjective phrase used to vividly describe abundance or a large quantity of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, "piled high" serves the communicative purpose of emphasizing plentifulness, creating a strong image of excess. When using the phrase, remember that it modifies nouns, indicating that something is full or overflowing. Alternative phrases like "stacked up" or "heaped up" can offer nuanced variations on the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stacked up

Focuses on the arrangement and accumulation of items, emphasizing vertical stacking.

heaped up

Emphasizes the act of accumulating something into a mound or pile.

loaded up

Suggests a heavy burden or fullness, often used when something is filled to capacity.

overflowing with

Indicates an abundance that exceeds the container's capacity.

brimming with

Similar to overflowing, but often used in a more figurative sense to describe emotions or qualities.

teeming with

Implies a great abundance and activity, often used for living things.

abundant in

Focuses on the plentiful nature of something, rather than the physical act of piling.

replete with

Suggests a state of being completely filled or satisfied.

filled to the brim

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the maximum capacity of a container.

jam-packed

Suggests a tight and crowded filling, often used for spaces or schedules.

FAQs

How can I use "piled high" in a sentence?

You can use "piled high" to describe something that is full or has a large quantity of something on it. For example, "The shelves were piled high with books" or "Her plate was piled high with food".

What are some synonyms for "piled high"?

Some synonyms for "piled high" include "stacked up", "heaped up", or "loaded up", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'the snow was piled high'?

Yes, "the snow was piled high" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a large accumulation of snow.

What's the difference between "piled high" and "stacked high"?

"Piled high" generally implies a less organized accumulation, while "stacked high" suggests a more orderly arrangement. Both describe a large quantity, but the visual image differs.