stowaway

1 of 2

noun

stow·​away ˈstō-ə-ˌwā How to pronounce stowaway (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Though the cats may have been stowaways, they were likely brought onboard intentionally to help keep rodents at bay. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 May 2025 The department asked the public to continue reporting any stowaway or out-of-place animals. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 5 May 2025
Verb
This warm-weather sleeping bag is also less than $50 and can pack down into a compact size that’s easy to stow away when you’re done using it. Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2025 Even a few hundred dollars stowed away can help save you from more credit card debt when your washing machine needs repairs. Rachel Barber, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stowaway

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1848, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stowaway was in 1848

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stowaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stowaway. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

stowaway

1 of 2 noun
stow·​away ˈstō-ə-ˌwā How to pronounce stowaway (audio)
: one who stows away : an unregistered passenger

stow away

2 of 2 verb
ˌstō-ə-ˈwā
: to hide aboard a vehicle to obtain transportation

More from Merriam-Webster on stowaway

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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