Word
stash
US/ˈstæʃ/
UK/stˈæʃ/
Definitions
01to hide or store away
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
v. to put something in a safe or secret place so you can use it later.
v. to store or hide something away for future use, often in a secret or secure location.
“He stashed his extra cash in a hollow book on the shelf.”
“The hikers stashed their heavy climbing gear in a cave near the base of the mountain, planning to retrieve it on their descent.”
Usage
This is a transitive verb that requires a direct object.
02a hidden collection
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. a collection of things that you have hidden or kept for yourself.
n. a collection of items, often of a similar type, that has been hidden or stored for future use.
“She has a secret stash of chocolate in her desk drawer.”
“The police discovered a significant stash of stolen electronics in the back of the abandoned warehouse.”
Usage
Commonly used with the preposition 'of' to describe the contents.
Synonyms
03university branded gear
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun British English · Slang
n. clothing or items with the logo of a university club or team.
n. clothing or equipment branded with the insignia of a specific university, college, or student society.
“The rugby team all wore their new stash to the pub after the match.”
“The university boat club ordered a fresh batch of stash, including embroidered fleeces and waterproof jackets for the winter season.”
Teaching tip
This sense is very specific to UK student culture and might not be understood by English speakers elsewhere.
Synonyms
04a mustache
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal · Slang
n. a short way of saying mustache.
n. a colloquial abbreviation for a mustache.
“He decided to grow a stash for a charity event in November.”
“The actor's thick stash became his most recognisable feature during the filming of the period drama.”
Usage
Usually spelled 'stache' in American English, though 'stash' is a common variant.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“While the park’s staff understands that much of that trash gets swept away by accident, they encourage visitors to “stash your trash” when visiting Yellowstone.” “For years, Turks have stashed their gold at home against a raining day, mistrustful of banks.” Etymology
Unknown. Perhaps a blend of stick + cache or stow + cache.
Apheretic clipping of mustache.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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