English Reference
verb · noun

stash

v. · n.
US /ˈstæʃ/ UK /stˈæʃ/ stash UK spelling stashed, stashes, stashing

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

    He stashed his extra cash in a hollow book on the shelf.

    In context

    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.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate 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.

    Simple

    She has a secret stash of chocolate in her desk drawer.

    In context

    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.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced British EnglishSlang

    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.

    Simple

    The rugby team all wore their new stash to the pub after the match.

    In context

    The university boat club ordered a fresh batch of stash, including embroidered fleeces and waterproof jackets for the winter season.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is very specific to UK student culture and might not be understood by English speakers elsewhere.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced InformalSlang

    n.a short way of saying mustache.

    n.a colloquial abbreviation for a mustache.

    Simple

    He decided to grow a stash for a charity event in November.

    In context

    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.


Etymology 1

Unknown. Perhaps a blend of stick + cache or stow + cache.

Etymology 2

Apheretic clipping of mustache.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated