Warehouse

Definition

A warehouse is a large building where goods are stored, often before they are distributed to stores or directly to customers.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (to warehouse)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwɛrˌhaʊs/
• Respelling: WARE-house

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwɛəˌhaʊs/
• Respelling: WAIR-house

In both American and British English, "warehouse" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable. The primary difference lies in the vowel sound of the first syllable; the American pronunciation uses a short "e" sound as in "bed," while the British pronunciation uses a slightly longer vowel sound, closer to "air." The second part of the word, "house," is pronounced with a long "ow" sound as in "how" in both accents.

Etymology

The term "warehouse" originates from the combination of two Old English words: "weard" (meaning "guard") and "hūs" (meaning "house"). Together, they denote a place where goods are protected or guarded.

Derivatives

• Warehousing
• Warehouseman
• Warehouse worker
• Warehouse store
• Warehouse management system

Synonyms

• Storehouse
• Depot
• Repository

Antonyms

• None

Usage

A warehouse is typically used in the context of business, commerce, and logistics. It refers to a place where products are stored, often in large quantities, before they are sold, distributed, or shipped.

Related Terms

• Inventory
• Distribution
• Stockroom
• Storage
• Pallet

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A large building where raw materials or manufactured goods are stored before their export or distribution for sale.‍
• Example: The new warehouse can store up to a million units of inventory.

• A large retail store selling overstocked or discontinued lines at reduced prices.‍
• Example: We found great deals at the furniture warehouse downtown.

Verb (to warehouse)

• To store (goods) in a warehouse.‍
• Example: The company warehouses its products in a centralized location for efficient distribution.

• To place (someone, typically a prisoner or a psychiatric patient) in a large, impersonal institution in which their problems are not adequately addressed.‍
• Example: Critics argue that the new reforms simply warehouse the homeless without addressing underlying issues.