stow
stoh
/stəʊ/
To store or pack something safely and neatly in a specified place.
Carries strong nautical and aviation connotations. Implies securing items properly before motion.
The story behind the word. Rooted in Old English 'stōw' (meaning place or spot, surviving in placenames like Walthamstow). It developed into a nautical verb meaning to put cargo into its proper place on a vessel.
Word relationships
- store: Store is general, whereas stow emphasizes putting items safely into a designated, confined space.
- stash: Stash is informal and suggests hiding items away secretly.
- retrieve: To fetch or pull items out from storage.
Commonly confused with
- stowaway: Stow is a verb meaning to store safely; stowaway is a noun referring to a person hiding secretly on a vehicle.
Word family
- stowage (noun): Space or fee for stowing goods.
- stowaway (noun): A person who hides on a transport vehicle.
Collocations
- stow away
- stow luggage
- securely stowed
- stow overhead
Idioms & expressions
- stow away (to hide on a ship/aircraft to travel secretly)
Example sentences
- "Please ensure all carry-on items are securely stowed in the overhead lockers prior to takeoff." Flight Safety Briefing
- "The crew stowed the cargo safely in the ship's hold before setting sail into the storm." Maritime Travel
- "We stowed our extra sleeping bags under the back seat of the camper van." Road Trip
Memory hook
STOW means place in a dedicated SPOT. Put away safely on board.
When not to use
Do not use for casual placement of items (e.g. 'I stowed my cup on the table'); implies storing away securely inside a compartment or dedicated space.
Fun facts
- The English word 'bestow' comes from the exact same Old English root 'stōw'.
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