stile

UK: /ˈstaɪl/ US: /staɪl/ ,(stīl)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

stile¹ /staɪl/   n. [countable]

1. a step or steps for climbing over a wall or fence.
2. a turnstile.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

stile¹ (stīl),  n. 

1. a series of steps or rungs by means of which a person may pass over a wall or fence that remains a barrier to sheep or cattle.
2. a turnstile.

• bef. 900; Middle English; Old English stigel, derivative of stīgan to climb, cognate with German steigen

stile² (stīl), n. [Carpentry, Furniture.]

1. Building, Building, Furniture any of various upright members framing panels or the like, as in a system of paneling, a paneled door, window sash, or chest of drawers. Cf. rail ¹ (def. 8).

• Dutch stijl (door-, bed-) post, strut
• perh. 1670–80

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

stile / staɪl/ noun

1. a set of steps or rungs in a wall or fence to allow people, but not animals, to pass over
2. short for turnstile

Etymology: Old English stigel; related to stīgan to climb, Old High German stigilla; see stair

stile / staɪl/ noun

1. a vertical framing member in a door, window frame, or piece of panelling
   Compare rail13

Etymology: 17th Century: probably from Dutch stijl pillar, ultimately from Latin stilus writing instrument; see style