stowaway

1 of 2

noun

stow·​away ˈstō-ə-ˌwā How to pronounce stowaway (audio)
Synonyms of stowawaynext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The recovery follows the removal of black and brown rats that had accidentally arrived on the island as stowaways on ships and shipwrecks. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 Traveler Melissa Oddie captured video of the furry stowaway, which the airport later shared on Facebook. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
The washer/dryer and water heater are stowed away in a cupboard. — Adam Williams june 24, New Atlas, 24 June 2026 Please make sure to keep your firearms safe and stowed away, and make double sure, triple sure that children can't get their hands on firearms. — Sergio Candido, CBS News, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stowaway

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1848, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stowaway was in 1848

Rhymes for stowaway

See All Rhymes for stowaway

Browse Nearby Words

stowage
stowaway
stow away
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stowaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stowaway. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stowaway

1 of 2 noun
stow·​away ˈstō-ə-ˌwā How to pronounce stowaway (audio)
: one who stows away : an unregistered passenger

stow away

2 of 2 verb
ˌstō-ə-ˈwā
: to hide aboard a vehicle to obtain transportation

More from Merriam-Webster on stowaway

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for stowaway

Nglish: Translation of stowaway for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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