foldaway: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal; more common in product descriptions and everyday language than in formal academic writing.
Quick answer
What does “foldaway” mean?
A type of furniture or object that can be folded for easy storage when not in use.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of furniture or object that can be folded for easy storage when not in use.
Designed or constructed to be folded into a compact shape, typically to save space or increase portability.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical. Both varieties use 'foldaway' as an adjective. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Neutral connotation of practicality and space-saving. No significant difference in connotation between varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English, possibly due to smaller average home sizes, but the difference is minimal.
Grammar
How to Use “foldaway” in a Sentence
ADJ + NOUN (foldaway [noun])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foldaway” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Please fold the map away when you're done.
- He folded away the laundry and put it in the cupboard.
American English
- Can you fold away the lawn chairs before it rains?
- She folded away the ironing board after using it.
adverb
British English
- The stroller folds away compactly.
- This clever mechanism allows it to tuck foldaway under the stairs.
American English
- The cot folds away easily for storage.
- The design stows foldaway in a closet.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing and product descriptions for furniture, camping gear, or space-saving solutions.
Academic
Rare, except in design, engineering, or architecture contexts discussing space optimization.
Everyday
Common when discussing small homes, caravans, temporary arrangements, or multi-purpose rooms.
Technical
Used in product specifications and manuals for furniture and equipment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “foldaway”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “foldaway”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foldaway”
- Using 'foldaway' as a verb (e.g., 'I will foldaway the chair'). Correct: 'I will fold the chair away' or 'I will put the foldaway chair away.'
- Using it predicatively (e.g., 'The bed is foldaway'). Correct: 'It is a foldaway bed.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'foldaway' is an adjective. The verb form is the phrasal verb 'to fold (something) away'.
They are very close synonyms. 'Folding' is more general and common. 'Foldaway' often implies the specific purpose of saving storage space when the item is not in use.
It sounds most natural with furniture and objects designed for regular storage by folding (beds, tables, chairs). It sounds odd for things like 'foldaway paper' or 'foldaway clothes'.
It is neutral but leans slightly informal. In very formal writing, 'collapsible' or 'folding' might be preferred, but 'foldaway' is perfectly acceptable in most contexts, including product catalogs and descriptive articles.
A type of furniture or object that can be folded for easy storage when not in use.
Foldaway: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfəʊldəweɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfoʊldəweɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine you need to 'fold away' a bed to make space for a party.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPACE IS A RESOURCE (by folding, you conserve/retrieve space).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most natural collocation for 'foldaway'?