Definition

1. Verb:
   • To pack or store something carefully and neatly in a particular place: This is the primary meaning, referring to the action of arranging items compactly and securely, typically for storage or transport.
   • To fill a space by packing items tightly: This sense emphasizes the act of loading a container or space to capacity in an orderly fashion.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • Please stow your luggage in the overhead compartment.
  • The crew worked to stow the cargo securely in the ship's hold before the storm.
  • She stowed the winter clothes in a box under the bed.

Advanced Usage

• "to stow away":
  • To store something in a designated place to keep it out of sight or safe.

    • After reading, he stowed the documents away in a locked drawer.
  • To be a stowaway; to hide on a vehicle (like a ship or plane) to travel secretly without paying.

    • In the 19th century, some people would stow away on ships to reach America. (Note: In this phrasal verb, "stow" combines with "away" to form a specific meaning.)

Variants and Related Words

• Stowage (n): The act of stowing or the space used for stowing goods.
  • The stowage of equipment must follow safety protocols.
• Stowaway (n): A person who hides on a vehicle to travel secretly.
  • The captain discovered a stowaway in the lifeboat.

Synonyms

• Pack: To put items into a container for storage or transport.
• Store: To keep or accumulate something for future use.
• Load: To put a large quantity of something onto or into a vehicle or container.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Stow away: As detailed in the 'Advanced Usage' section, this has two primary meanings: 1) to store something securely, and 2) to hide on a vehicle to travel secretly.

Related Idioms

• "Stow it!": (Slang, often imperative) An informal command meaning "Stop it!" or "Be quiet!"
  • He kept complaining until I finally told him, "Stow it!" (Note: This idiom uses "stow" in a figurative, non-literal sense.)

Verb

1. fill by packing tightly
   • stow the cart