storage
STAW-rihj
Storage (noun) means the act of keeping something in a place until it is needed, or the space used for this. Example: “We rented a storage unit while the house was being renovated.”
noun
1
The act of keeping something in a place until it is needed, or the space used for this.
"We rented a storage unit while the house was being renovated."
"The photos are backed up in cloud storage."
"Our flat has very little storage, so the winter coats live under the bed."
How to use storage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishKeeping things — physical goods or digital data — somewhere safe until they're needed.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
cloud storage
storage unit
in storage
storage space
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Word forms
- Plural
- storages
- Third person singular
- storages
- Past tense
- storaged
Fill the gap
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We rented a _____ unit while the house was being renovated.
Etymology
From store plus the noun suffix -age.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for storage
See all rhymes for storage →Frequently asked questions
What does “storage” mean?
The word “storage” means the act of keeping something in a place until it is needed, or the space used for this. In plain terms, keeping things — physical goods or digital data — somewhere safe until they're needed.
How do you pronounce “storage”?
“Storage” is pronounced STAW-rihj (/ˈstɔɹ.ɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “storage” in a sentence?
Here is “storage” used in a sentence: “We rented a storage unit while the house was being renovated.”
What part of speech is “storage”?
“Storage” is a noun.
Is “storage” a common word?
“Storage” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between storage and memory?
In everyday use, storage means keeping things somewhere until they are needed. In computing, storage holds data long-term even when a device is switched off, while memory (RAM) holds data only while the device is running. Storage is larger and slower; memory is smaller and faster. The two are easily confused.
What are the types of storage?
Common kinds include self-storage units, warehouse storage for goods, cold storage for perishable items, and cloud storage for digital files. Storage can be short-term, such as a locker, or long-term, such as an archive. The right type depends on what is kept, for how long, and under what conditions.
What is an example of storage?
Putting winter clothes in the attic until the cold returns is storage, as is a warehouse holding stock before it ships. Renting a unit to keep furniture during a move is another example. In each case, something is kept safely in a space until it is needed again.
Why is storage important?
Storage keeps belongings, goods, and information safe and organised until the moment they are needed. Businesses rely on it to manage stock and supply chains, while households use it to free up space and protect valuables. Without proper storage, items can be lost, damaged, or hard to find.
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