pieces: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Formal, Informal, Neutral
Quick answer
What does “pieces” mean?
Separate parts or fragments resulting from dividing, breaking, or disassembling a whole.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Separate parts or fragments resulting from dividing, breaking, or disassembling a whole.
Items of a specific kind or category (e.g., art pieces, chess pieces); a portion of something, such as a piece of advice or a piece of land.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal lexical difference. In business contexts, UK English more commonly uses 'bits' informally for small parts ('bits and pieces'). 'Pieces' itself is used identically.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Slightly more formal connotation than 'bits' or 'parts'.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “pieces” in a Sentence
N + of + N (pieces of paper)V + N + into + pieces (shatter into pieces)N + be + in + pieces (The vase is in pieces)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pieces” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He carefully pieced the fragments of the contract back together.
- She pieced together the clues from the various reports.
American English
- They pieced the engine back together over the weekend.
- Investigators pieced together a timeline of events.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard; 'piece' as noun adjunct: 'piece rate', 'piece goods')
American English
- (Not standard; 'piece' as noun adjunct: 'piecework', 'piece de résistance')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to components, units of production, or shares (e.g., 'manufacturing pieces', 'a piece of the market').
Academic
Used in analysis to discuss fragments, sections of text, or components of a theory.
Everyday
Commonly refers to broken objects, portions of food, or items like chess pieces.
Technical
In computing: memory pieces; in manufacturing: component pieces; in art: artistic pieces.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pieces”
- Using 'pieces' as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'I need some pieces' - ambiguous).
- Confusing 'pieces' with 'peace'.
- Overusing 'pieces' where 'parts' or 'items' is more precise.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Pieces' is the plural form of 'piece'. It always takes a plural verb (e.g., 'The pieces are missing').
Yes, abstract nouns like 'advice', 'information', 'news' are commonly used with 'pieces' (e.g., 'a piece of advice').
'Pieces' often implies separation from a whole or fragmentation. 'Parts' suggests components of a system or whole that may remain integrated.
As a verb, 'piece' (often with 'together') means to assemble something from separate parts (e.g., 'piece together a story').
Separate parts or fragments resulting from dividing, breaking, or disassembling a whole.
Pieces is usually formal, informal, neutral in register.
Pieces: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpiːsɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpiːsɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pick up the pieces”
- “go to pieces”
- “say one's piece”
- “a piece of the action”
- “all in one piece”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'peace' treaty ending a war, leaving the former country in separate, peaceful PIECES.
Conceptual Metaphor
WHOLENESS IS INTEGRITY / BREAKING IS FAILING (e.g., 'His life fell to pieces').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'pieces' used INCORRECTLY?