Meaning & Definition of word "Stow"

Stow

/stoʊ/

verb:

  • 1. to pack or store an item away carefully in a designated location.
    • Example: Please stow your luggage under the seat in front of you.
  • 2. to remove from sight; to hide or conceal.
    • Example: She quickly stowed away the evidence before the police arrived.
  • 3. to place something in a specific location for use later.
    • Example: He decided to stow the extra supplies in the garage.

Etymology

Middle English stowen, from Old English stōw 'place, location.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

stow away:

To hide or keep something in a safe or concealed place.

stow it:

A slang expression used to tell someone to stop talking, similar to 'shut up.'

Related Words

storage:

The action or method of storing something for future use.

stash:

A secret store of something.

Slang Meanings of stow

Meaning: To stow away means to hide oneself, especially on a vehicle or in a building.

Example Sentence: He decided to stow away on the ship to escape.

Meaning: To stow it can be used informally to tell someone to be quiet.

Example Sentence: When he started complaining, I told him to stow it.