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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
This travel umbrella, which comes in a matching case, is small enough to stow in the car en route to an Academy Awards party. Adam Tschorn, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 The sleeping quarters situated above the bathroom are accessed by a removable ladder that's stowed near the pantry area when not in use and there's ample space for a pair of double beds or a queen or king-sized bed. Adam Williams, New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2024 Despite its bounteous proportions, the ProArt P16 is light enough to stow in a bookbag and go on an impromptu photoshoot. PCMAG, 13 Oct. 2024 Find somewhere to stow all your appliances when idle. Kelsey Mulvey, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stow 

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 7 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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