stow

¹ American  

[stoh] / stoʊ /

verb (used with object)

1. Nautical.

   1. to put (cargo, provisions, etc.) in the places intended for them.

   2. to put (sails, spars, gear, etc.) in the proper place or condition when not in use.

2. to put in a place or receptacle, as for storage or reserve; pack.

   He stowed the potatoes in our cellar.

3. to fill (a place or receptacle) by packing.

   to stow a carton with books.

4. to have or afford room for; hold.

5. Slang. to stop; break off.

   Stow it! Stow the talk!

6. to put away, as in a safe or convenient place (often followed byaway ).

7. to lodge or quarter.

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verb phrase

1. stow away to conceal oneself aboard a ship or other conveyance in order to obtain free transportation or to elude pursuers.

Stow ² American  

[stoh] / stoʊ /

noun

1. a city in NE Ohio.

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stow ¹ British  

/ stəʊ /

verb

1. (often foll by away) to pack or store

2. to fill by packing

3. nautical to pack or put away (cargo, sails and other gear, etc)

4. to have enough room for

5. slang (usually imperative) to cease from

   stow your noise!

   stow it!

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Stow ² British  

/ stəʊ /

noun

1. John. 1525–1605, English antiquary, noted for his Survey of London and Westminster (1598; 1603)

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Other Word Forms

• restow verb (used with object)
• stowable adjective

Etymology

Origin of stow

1300–50; Middle English stowen, Old English stōwigan to keep, hold back (literally, to place), derivative of stōw place; akin to Old Norse eldstō fireplace, Gothic stojan to judge (literally, to place)

Related Words

• put away
• secrete
• stash
• tuck