stow
STOH
/stoʊ/
To pack, tuck away, or store items securely in a designated space on an aircraft or ship.
Implies securing items firmly so they do not move or create hazards during transit.
The story behind the word. Originating from Old English 'stow', meaning 'a place' (seen in placenames like Walthamstow). Nautical crews adapted it into a verb meaning 'to put in its proper place,' which aviation retained for securing carry-on luggage before flight.
Word relationships
- store: 'Store' is generic for keeping items anywhere, while 'stow' implies packing compactly into a designated space.
- pack: 'Pack' refers to filling containers like suitcases, whereas 'stow' refers to securing those items onto a vehicle.
- unpack: Unpack means taking items out of storage or luggage.
- display: Display means exposing items openly to view.
Commonly confused with
- Discard: Discard means throwing something away, whereas stow means safely placing it in storage.
Word family
- stowage (noun): Space or room allotted for stowing items.
- stowaway (noun): A secret passenger who hides on a transport vehicle.
Collocations
- stow luggage
- safely stow
- stow away
- stowed position
Idioms & expressions
- stow away (to hide on a vehicle to gain free passage)
Example sentences
- "Please ensure all carry-on baggage is safely stowed in the overhead lockers or beneath the seat in front of you." Cabin Announcement
- "We helped the sailors stow the heavy canvas sails beneath the deck before the tempest struck." Maritime Adventure
Memory hook
STOW your bags so they go LOW or into the overhead row. STOW = Store neatly and tightly.
When not to use
Do not use for dumping items haphazardly or leaving them exposed on open tables.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'stowaway' originated in the 1800s when illegal travelers hid inside ship cargo stowage holds.
Related words
Also appears in
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