William Pile (10 October 1823 – 5 June 1873) was a British shipbuilder. 'His genius was displayed in the building of ships, wherein he was not excelled. As Watt was great as a builder of engines; and Stephenson was great as a builder of railways; so William Pile was great as a builder of ships.' He was the first to introduce the Clipper class of ship to the river Wear, Sunderland. His bust, now on display in the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, was paid for by donations from his friends.