verb
Uncommon
stash
stash
Stash (verb) means to put something away safely or secretly, meaning to use later. Example: “He stashed some cash under the mattress for emergencies.”
verb
1
To put something away safely or secretly, meaning to use later.
"He stashed some cash under the mattress for emergencies."
"She stashed snacks in her desk drawer for late afternoons."
noun
1
A hidden or private collection of something, often stored for later use.
"They found a stash of old letters in the attic."
How to use stash
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo hide something away for later, or the hidden collection itself.
When to use it
Casual/informal in tone, often used for anything from snacks to money to illegal drugs.
Common pairings
stash away
secret stash
drug stash
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Word forms
- Plural
- stashes
- Third person singular
- stashes
- Past tense
- stashed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ some cash under the mattress for emergencies.
Etymology
Origin uncertain — possibly a blend of stow and cache, or of stick and cache.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for stash
See all rhymes for stash →Frequently asked questions
What does “stash” mean?
The word “stash” means to put something away safely or secretly, meaning to use later. In plain terms, to hide something away for later, or the hidden collection itself.
How do you pronounce “stash”?
“Stash” is pronounced stash (/stæʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “stash” in a sentence?
Here is “stash” used in a sentence: “He stashed some cash under the mattress for emergencies.”
What part of speech is “stash”?
Depending on how it is used, “stash” can be a verb and a noun.
Is “stash” a common word?
“Stash” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “stash” have?
“Stash” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to put something away safely or secretly, meaning to use later.
What is the difference between stash and hide?
Stash implies putting something away safely or secretly with the specific intention of using it later, while hide simply means concealing something from view without necessarily implying future use. You might hide a gift so someone doesn't see it, but you stash snacks specifically so you can enjoy them later.
What is the difference between a stash and a stockpile?
A stash is typically a hidden or private collection kept for later use, often implying secrecy, while a stockpile is a larger, more openly accumulated supply kept in reserve without necessarily being hidden. Stash carries a more informal, personal, and often secretive tone than stockpile.
Is stash an informal word?
Yes, stash is generally used in informal, everyday speech rather than formal writing, both as a verb meaning to put something away secretly and as a noun for a hidden collection.
