hoarding: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal in psychology/economics; Neutral for disorder; Formal/British English for advertising board.
Quick answer
What does “hoarding” mean?
The practice of accumulating and storing large quantities of something, often excessively and in secret.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice of accumulating and storing large quantities of something, often excessively and in secret.
Also refers to a large outdoor board used for advertising (UK). In psychology/psychiatry, it denotes a compulsive disorder characterized by difficulty discarding possessions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'hoarding' commonly means a large temporary fence around a construction site or a large billboard for advertisements. In American English, this is usually called a 'billboard' or 'construction fence'. The 'accumulation' meaning is primary in AmE.
Connotations
For accumulation: universally negative, suggesting greed, mental disorder, or market distortion. For board/fence: neutral (BrE).
Frequency
In BrE, the 'billboard' sense is very common in everyday language. In AmE, the 'accumulation' sense is dominant.
Grammar
How to Use “hoarding” in a Sentence
[Subject] + hoard + [Object] (e.g., They hoard food.)[Subject] + be + accused of + hoarding (e.g., He was accused of hoarding.)a + hoarding of + [noun] (e.g., a hoarding of canned goods)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hoarding” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- During the shortage, some people began to hoard toilet rolls.
- He tends to hoard old newspapers in his garage.
American English
- People started hoarding canned goods before the storm.
- The company was fined for hoarding critical medical supplies.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Rare. Possible: 'He acted hoardingly, buying all the stock.')
American English
- N/A (Rare. Possible: 'He bought supplies hoardingly, clearing the shelves.')
adjective
British English
- His hoarding behaviour became a serious problem.
- They studied hoarding tendencies in the population.
American English
- She sought help for her hoarding disorder.
- The hoarding instinct can be triggered by scarcity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to companies or investors stockpiling raw materials or assets to influence prices or ensure supply.
Academic
Used in economics (e.g., 'currency hoarding'), psychology/psychiatry (Hoarding Disorder), and behavioural studies.
Everyday
Mostly used to describe people buying excessive amounts of goods during a crisis (e.g., panic buying/hoarding).
Technical
In psychiatry: a diagnosable condition (Hoarding Disorder). In UK construction/advertising: a physical structure.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hoarding”
- Using 'hoarding' to mean simple 'saving' (it implies excess).
- Confusing the verb forms: 'hoard' (verb) vs. 'hoarding' (noun/gerund).
- In AmE, using 'hoarding' to mean billboard (use 'billboard').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Collecting is typically organised, selective, and brings pleasure. Hoarding is disorganised, indiscriminate, and causes distress or impairment.
In the context of accumulation, yes, it implies excess and often secrecy or pathology. The UK meaning (advertising board) is neutral.
Yes, the verb is 'to hoard'. 'Hoarding' is the present participle/gerund (e.g., 'He is hoarding') or the noun for the activity/disorder.
Yes, Hoarding Disorder is listed as a distinct condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
The practice of accumulating and storing large quantities of something, often excessively and in secret.
Hoarding is usually formal in psychology/economics; neutral for disorder; formal/british english for advertising board. in register.
Hoarding: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɔː.dɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɔːr.dɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Squirrel away (similar meaning)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a miserly DRAGON on a HOARD of gold. HOARD-ing is what the dragon does.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOARDING IS A COMPULSIVE ILLNESS; HOARDING IS CREATING A FORTRESS/STOCKPILE.
Practice
Quiz
In British English, what is the most common meaning of 'hoarding' seen on the street?