stow

UK: stəʊ | US: stoʊ

Definition
  1. vt. to pack or store something neatly and securely in a designated space

  2. vt. (nautical) to arrange cargo or equipment systematically on a ship

Structure
stow <to place, arrange>
Etymology

The word "stow" originates from Old English stōwian, meaning "to place or arrange," derived from Proto-Germanic stōwōną. It shares roots with Old Norse stóa (to keep) and is linked to the concept of orderly placement. The nautical usage emerged from the need to describe systematic cargo storage on ships, reflecting the word's core idea of careful arrangement.

Examples
  1. She stowed her luggage in the overhead compartment.

  2. The crew worked quickly to stow the supplies before the storm.

  3. Please stow your phones during the flight.

  4. He stowed the tools neatly in the garage.

  5. The sailors stowed the anchor securely after docking.