verb

hoard

/hɔːrd/ · say it: HORD

to accumulate and hide away

In Actions & Behavior

In more detail

1. (verb) to collect and keep large amounts of something, often secretly or greedily

2. (noun) a large amount of something that someone has collected and hidden

Examples

1. During the pandemic, some people hoarded toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
2. Archaeologists discovered a hoard of ancient coins buried in the field.

How to use hoard

Hoard typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting obsessive or excessive collecting, often for fear of scarcity or from greed. It differs from collect or gather by implying secrecy or an unhealthy accumulation. Common in discussions of emergency supplies, precious metals, wealth, or archaeological artifacts.

Common phrases

hoard supplies
hoard money
hoard food
hoard treasures
hoard of gold
hoard away

Synonyms

accumulate · stockpile · amass · gather · cache

Opposites

distribute · disperse · spend

Word family

hoarder (noun) · hoarding (noun/gerund)

A common mistake

Learners often confuse hoard (to collect and store) with horde (a large group or crowd), which sound identical but have entirely different meanings.

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