stow

verb

stowed; stowing; stows

transitive verb

1
2
a
: to put away for future use : store
b
obsolete : to lock up for safekeeping : confine
3
a
: to dispose in an orderly fashion : arrange, pack
b
: load
4
slang : to put aside : stop
5
a
archaic : crowd
b
: to eat or drink up
usually used with away
stowed away a huge dinner

Examples of stow in a Sentence

He stowed his gear in a locker. Luggage may be stowed under the seat.
Recent Examples on the Web My memory has barely stowed this most heroic of symphonies after the recent electrifying account offered by the National Symphony Orchestra before heading off on its recent European tour. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2024 Images released alongside the Thai Customs Department’s statement show animals stowed in wicker baskets, plastic tubs and fabric bags inside large wheeled suitcases. Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 7 Mar. 2024 When customized with his initials or name, there won’t be a question about whose belongings can be stowed on it. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2024 Basically, students have to stow their devices in their lockers from the first bell to the last bill. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 2 Jan. 2024 Instead, stow superfluous stuff behind a cabinet or in that miscellaneous closet space. Kelsey Mulvey, Sunset Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 His pickleball paddles are stowed by the front door. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 28 Feb. 2024 There are door pockets that can accommodate water bottles and a center console compartment that’s good for stowing your smartphone. Alex Nishimoto, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2024 When not in use, the shell stows into its own right-hand pocket and includes a carabiner clip loop for attaching it to your backpack. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stow.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to place, from stowe place, from Old English stōw; akin to Old Frisian stō place, Greek stylos pillar — more at steer

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stow was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near stow

Cite this Entry

“Stow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stow. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

stow

verb
1
: to put away : store
stowed their belongings in the closet
2
a
: arrange sense 1, pack
quickly stowed the cargo
b
: load entry 2 sense 1a
stowed the ships to capacity
3
: to eat or drink up
stow away a meal

Geographical Definition

Stow

geographical name

city in northeastern Ohio northeast of Akron population 34,837

Biographical Definition

Stow

biographical name

John 1525–1605 English historian and antiquarian

More from Merriam-Webster on stow

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