haystack

noun

hay·​stack ˈhā-ˌstak How to pronounce haystack (audio)
1
: a stack of hay
2
: a vertical standing wave in turbulent river waters

Examples of haystack in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In other words, the porcini’s range is extremely broad, which makes finding them a needle-in-haystack situation. — Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026 Boasting nearly 10,000 five-star reviews, this classic metal bed frame is a needle in Amazon’s furniture haystack. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026 How an audience discovers that needle in the haystack requires research rigor requiring access to a multiplicity of data streams. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 For breakfast, head to Shipshewana Auction Restaurant on the auction grounds, where locals fuel up with plate-sized cinnamon rolls and the famous haystack, a layered combination of biscuits, gravy, hash browns, eggs, and sausage. — Jill Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for haystack

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of haystack was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing haystack

Rhymes for haystack

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Browse Nearby Words

hayshock
haystack
hay sweep
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Haystack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/haystack. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

haystack

noun
hay·​stack -ˌstak How to pronounce haystack (audio)
: a stack of hay

More from Merriam-Webster on haystack

Nglish: Translation of haystack for Spanish Speakers

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