stile

Everyday

1. A stile is a set of steps or a step over a fence or wall that lets people climb over but stops animals like sheep and cows getting through. tree →
2. It is common on country footpaths, especially in the UK and Ireland. tree →

In the lessons

In countryside walks and safety lessons, children climb stiles on footpaths and learn the countryside rules: close gates, keep dogs on leads near animals. In nursery rhymes: «There was a crooked man… he found a crooked sixpence against a crooked stile».

Examples

• We climbed over the stile into the field. tree →
• The footpath goes over a wooden stile. tree →
• Help Grandpa over the stile. tree →
• The dog squeezed under the stile. tree →
• A stile lets walkers cross but keeps the sheep in. tree →
• «He found a crooked sixpence against a crooked stile.» tree →
• Be careful: the stile is slippery when wet. tree →
• She put down the candles whilst she got over the stile. tree →

Note

Countable noun: «a stile, stiles». Homophone: «style» (a way of doing or looking) sounds the same but has a different meaning and spelling. A «turnstile» is a turning gate at a station or stadium.