bale

UK: beɪl | US: beɪl

Definition

  1. n. a large bundle of goods, especially one tightly wrapped and bound with cords or hoops

  2. vt. to make into a bale

Structure
bale <bundled goods>
Etymology

The word "bale" traces back to Old English balu (evil, harm) but shifted meaning in Middle English to denote a "bundle" or "package," likely influenced by Old French bale (rolled-up bundle). The modern sense of a tightly bound package emerged by the 15th century, reflecting its practical use in trade and shipping.

Examples

  1. The farmers loaded the hay bales onto the truck.

  2. She used a machine to bale the cotton efficiently.

  3. A bale of wool can weigh over 200 kilograms.

  4. The ship’s cargo included bales of silk and spices.

  5. They stacked the bales in the barn before the rain arrived.