Definitions

haystack

[hey-stak] / ˈheɪˌstæk /

NOUN

stack of hay

Synonyms

STRONG

hay haycock hayrick pile rick sheaf stack

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The process can take months for a single archaeological site and often feels like searching for a needle in a haystack.

From Science Daily • May 11, 2026

It’s quickly resembling a small number of needles in a big haystack.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

Maven was built to find the needle in the haystack.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

While these types of exhibitions are often an exercise in hunting for an aesthetic needle in a mind-numbing haystack, the quality here is surprisingly consistent with happy discoveries around almost every corner.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

I guess I should have realized that a haystack is not a smart place to hide when you’re running from fire.

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff