stowaway

1 of 2

noun

stow·​away ˈstō-ə-ˌwā 

: one that stows away

stow away

2 of 2

verb

stowed away; stowing away; stows away

intransitive verb

: to secrete oneself aboard a vehicle as a means of obtaining transportation

Examples of stowaway in a Sentence

Noun

A stowaway was discovered on the ship.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The recovery follows the removal of black and brown rats that had accidentally arrived on the island as stowaways on ships and shipwrecks. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

In February, a stowaway was arrested after he was allegedly found floating in a Puerto Rican harbor with 789 pounds of cocaine. — Stephen Smith, CBS News, 12 June 2026

Verb

However, it's accessed by a space-saving folding staircase that means that when not in use, it can be stowed away, maximizing floorspace downstairs. — Adam Williams july 06, New Atlas, 6 July 2026

In 1851 Massachusetts, 18-year-old Winifred Starbuck stows away on her parents’ merchant voyage for an adventure of a lifetime, uncovering a deep secret along the way. — Shyla Watson, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1848, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1879, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stowaway

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

stowaway

1 of 2 noun

stow·​away ˈstō-ə-ˌwā 

: one who stows away : an unregistered passenger

stow away

2 of 2 verb

ˌstō-ə-ˈwā

: to hide aboard a vehicle to obtain transportation