English Reference
noun · verb

storage

n. · v.
US /ˈstɔɹədʒ/ UK /stˈɔːɹɪdʒ/ stor·age UK spelling storage's, storage's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.the act of keeping things in a safe place for future use.

    n.the act of storing goods or the state of being stored in a warehouse or similar facility.

    Simple

    We put our furniture into storage while we looked for a new house.

    In context

    The company specialises in the long-term storage of temperature-sensitive chemicals, ensuring they remain stable for several years.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun.

    safekeepingdepository
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.the amount of space available for keeping things.

    n.the physical capacity or area available for the containment of objects.

    Simple

    The new apartment has plenty of storage in the kitchen.

    In context

    The architect maximised the available storage by installing floor-to-ceiling shelving in the narrow hallway.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the context of home organisation.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Computing

    n.the space on a computer or phone for saving files and photos.

    n.the capacity of a computer or digital device to retain data on a permanent or semi-permanent basis.

    Simple

    I need to delete some old videos because my phone is out of storage.

    In context

    Cloud storage solutions allow users to access their files from any device with an internet connection, reducing the need for local hardware.

    Usage

    Usually refers to hard drives or cloud services rather than RAM.

    memorydisk space
  4. 04 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical

    n.the money you pay to keep your things in a warehouse.

    n.the fee or price charged for the service of storing goods.

    Simple

    The monthly storage for the boat was more expensive than we expected.

    In context

    The contract stipulates that any goods left on the premises after thirty days will incur additional storage charges at a daily rate.

    Usage

    Typically used in logistics and commercial contracts.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Technical

    v.to put something into a storage space.

    v.to place or deposit items into a designated storage area.

    Simple

    The workers began storage of the equipment once the project ended.

    In context

    The facility is designed to storage hazardous materials under strict environmental controls to prevent leakage.

    Usage

    This verb form is much less common than the noun; 'to store' is usually preferred.

Usage storage systems

There are no facilities for Huda to cook for her children, and limited storage for essential medicines and equipment.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

A blast at a petroleum storage facility in the port of Rotterdam has killed one person and wounded six others, Dutch officials said.

Sky News· 13 Aug 2026

From store + -age.

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

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated