stowaway

1 of 2

noun

stow·​away ˈstō-ə-ˌwā 

: one that stows away

stow away

2 of 2

verb

stowed away; stowing away; stows away

intransitive verb

: to secrete oneself aboard a vehicle as a means of obtaining transportation

Examples of stowaway in a Sentence

Noun

A stowaway was discovered on the ship.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

And for families planning holiday travel, a 100% cotton baby sweatshirt romper is a must-have stowaway. —Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 4 Nov. 2024

In a time of uncertainty, travel anxiety has become an unwelcome stowaway in our suitcases. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024

Verb

Even with this common sense stowed away somewhere in our brains, gracious hosts can't help but want everything to be as close to perfect as possible for their guests (yes, even in the rooms no one will enter). —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024

Finally, with the microphones and receiver stowed away in the charging bar, the whole system can be used as a handheld mic. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1848, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1879, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

stowaway

1 of 2 noun

stow·​away ˈstō-ə-ˌwā 

: one who stows away : an unregistered passenger

stow away

2 of 2 verb

ˌstō-ə-ˈwā

: to hide aboard a vehicle to obtain transportation