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.
These hidden gems are like needles in a haystack, making up just a tiny fraction – less than 5% – of all T cells flowing through our blood. Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025 The site, called Encore, aggregates items from hundreds of resale websites and helps shoppers find esoteric and unique items—the proverbial needles in the haystack. Elissaveta M. Brandon, WIRED, 4 Dec. 2024 Needle in a haystack Finding the tiny needles required a thorough and precise excavation, Pelton said. Katie Hunt, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024 Intelligence agencies have always had to find needles in haystacks. Amy Zegart, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2019 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

Dictionary Entries Near haystack

Cite this Entry

“Haystack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/haystack. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

haystack

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

More from Merriam-Webster on haystack

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