pilings
UK: ˈpaɪlɪŋz | US: ˈpaɪlɪŋz
n. plural of piling: long, heavy beams or posts driven into the ground to support a structure (e.g., a bridge or building).
The word piling derives from Middle English pilen (to thrust or drive), rooted in Old English pīl (a stake or spike), likely from Latin pīla (a pillar or pier). The suffix -ing forms a noun indicating the result of an action (e.g., "driving stakes"), while -s marks plurality. The term reflects the functional logic of construction: driven stakes (piles) collectively form pilings to bear structural weight.
The bridge rests on sturdy wooden pilings embedded in the riverbed.
Engineers inspected the corroded steel pilings supporting the pier.
The dock’s pilings were damaged by termites and needed replacement.
Waves eroded the sand around the concrete pilings over time.
The construction crew drove new pilings deep into the bedrock for stability.