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Warehouse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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warehouse

[ˈwɛəˌhaʊs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

storage facility

A warehouse is a large building where raw materials or manufactured goods may be stored before they are distributed for sale.

Synonyms

depot, storage facility, storehouse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
warehouse

Used for a large building where goods are stored before they are sold, used, or sent out to stores. Common in industrial and commercial contexts.

  • The company leased a warehouse to store its products
  • She works at a warehouse managing inventory
storage facility

Used for a place where space is rented to store personal or business items. Often found in a commercial rental context.

  • They rented a storage facility to keep their furniture during the move
  • The storage facility offers 24/7 access to its clients
storehouse

Often used in literary or formal contexts, referring to a place where large quantities of items or knowledge are kept.

  • The ancient storehouse held vast amounts of grain
  • His mind was a storehouse of information
depot

Typically refers to a place for the storage of large quantities of equipment, vehicles, or other items. Often used in transportation or military contexts.

  • The bus depot is located at the edge of the city
  • The military depot stored all the necessary supplies

Examples of usage

  • The company uses a warehouse to store their inventory.
  • The warehouse is located on the outskirts of town.
Context #2 | Verb

keeping in storage

To warehouse means to store goods in a warehouse.

Synonyms

stock, stockpile, store.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
warehouse

Refers to a large building where goods are stored before they are distributed to shops or customers. It is often used in logistics and supply chain contexts.

  • The company rented a large warehouse to store its goods.
  • New shipments are delivered straight to the warehouse.
store

Can be a verb meaning to keep something for future use, or a noun referring to a place where goods are sold. It is a general term and can be used in a variety of contexts.

  • You can store your luggage in the locker room.
  • They went to the store to buy groceries.
stockpile

Refers to a large quantity of goods or materials accumulated for future use. It often has a connotation of preparedness and can be used in contexts involving emergencies or strategic reserves.

  • The government decided to stockpile medical supplies in case of an outbreak.
  • They have a stockpile of canned food in the basement.
stock

Usually refers to the goods that a business has for sale at any given time. It can also refer to the total amount of something available. Often used in retail and inventory management contexts.

  • We need to update our stock levels before the busy season.
  • The shop's stock includes many imported goods.

Examples of usage

  • The company warehouses their products in a facility outside the city.
  • The supplies were warehoused in a secure location.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • The first known warehouses date back to ancient Egypt, where grain was stored for distribution.
  • In the 19th century, as trade grew, warehouses became essential for managing large volumes of goods.

Pop Culture

  • Warehouses feature prominently in many action movies, often serving as the backdrop for dramatic heists.
  • The warehouse used as a storage place in classic sitcoms often symbolizes clutter and chaos, adding to comedic tension.

Economics

  • In supply chain management, warehouses help businesses reduce costs by consolidating goods and optimizing distribution.
  • The rise of e-commerce has transformed warehouses into highly automated distribution centers equipped with robotics.

Architecture

  • Modern warehouses often use open floor plans to maximize storage space and allow for easy movement of goods.
  • Many warehouses are designed with large doors and high ceilings for accommodating various types of cargo.

Origin of 'warehouse'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'war' meaning to guard, and 'haus' which means house in German.
  • During the Middle Ages, 'ware' referred to goods or merchandise, leading to its modern usage.

The word 'warehouse' originated from the Old English word 'werhus', which meant 'protective cover' or 'shelter'. Over time, it evolved to refer to a building where goods are stored. Warehouses have played a crucial role in trade and commerce throughout history, providing a secure location for the storage and distribution of goods.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,917 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.