English Reference
noun

POW

n.
US /ˈpaʊ/ UK /pˈaʊ/ pow UK spelling pows

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Military

    Stands for Prisoner of War; a soldier who is captured by the enemy during a war.

    Abbreviation for Prisoner of War. Refers to a person, usually a member of the armed forces, who is held in custody by an enemy power during or immediately after an armed conflict.

    Simple

    The museum has a section dedicated to the stories of POWs during World War II.

    In context

    International conventions dictate the humanitarian treatment that must be afforded to any POW captured during active hostilities.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Slang Sport

    a short way to say 'powder' — the soft, fresh, deep snow that skiers love.

    A clipping of 'powder'. Refers to fine, dry, lightweight snow that has recently fallen and is considered ideal for skiing and snowboarding.

    Simple

    We headed to the mountains early to catch the fresh pow after the storm.

    In context

    The resort was crowded with enthusiasts eager to experience the deep pow following a record-breaking overnight snowfall.

    powderfresh snow
  3. 03 C1 Advanced TechnicalFormal Religion

    Stands for Place of Worship; a building like a church, mosque, or temple where people go to pray.

    Abbreviation for Place of Worship. Used in administrative, urban planning, or sociological contexts to categorise buildings used for religious practice.

    Simple

    The city council approved the construction of a new POW in the residential district.

    In context

    The urban development plan included specific zoning requirements for any new POW to ensure adequate parking and noise mitigation.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

    Stands for Proof of Work; a system used in computer networks and cryptocurrency to confirm that a task was done.

    Abbreviation for Proof of Work. A consensus mechanism or cryptographic protocol used to deter cyberattacks and validate transactions in a blockchain.

    Simple

    Bitcoin uses a PoW system to secure its network and create new coins.

    In context

    Critics of PoW algorithms often point to the significant electrical energy required to maintain the network's security.

Cowra was well equipped to support a sizable POW population.

Smithsonian Magazine· 5 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated