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
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.
Again, vacuum sealing in a bag is an ideal technique to maximize your space and ensure cleanliness while stowing blankets under the bed. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025 While dogs can travel in the cabin for a one way fee, the animal must be able to fit in a soft-sided ventilated pet kennel that can be stowed under the seat in front of each passenger. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024 Underwood wrapped her up in a plastic sheet, stowing her body in a sealed plastic tub in his bedroom closet, according to court documents. Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024 With the third row stowed flush into the floor, all the oversized bulky items (wheels, tires, suitcases, car jack, tools, moving blankets, etc.) fit effortlessly within the available load space. Michael Harley, Forbes, 5 Dec. 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 18 Jan. 2025.

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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