cottage

noun

cot·​tage ˈkä-tij 

1

: the dwelling of a farm laborer or small farmer

2

: a usually small frame one-family house

3

: a small detached dwelling unit at an institution

4

: a usually small house for vacation use

cottagey

ˈkä-ti-jē 

adjective

Synonyms of cottage

• cabin

Examples of cottage in a Sentence

We rented a cottage for the weekend.

She owns a cottage at the beach.

Recent Examples on the Web

The chef, dressed in a wool vest, face framed by beard and glasses, has built himself a tiny cottage kitchen. — Elazar Sontag, Washington Post, 2 July 2026

Most of these lakes are small, and many are almost completely surrounded by homes and cottages. — Jack G. Mell, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026

Shilaya looks south over a garden earmarked for future cottages, with staff quarters to the west. — New Atlas, 3 July 2026

The service Instead of inkeepers, there is now a centralized welcome cottage, called Guest Arrivals, on Main Street. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cotage "holding of a free peasant, the peasant's dwelling on such a holding," borrowed from Anglo-French, "tenure of a free peasant owing rent to a lord, rent paid for such a holding," probably from Middle English cot or cote "dwelling of a rural laborer, hut" + Anglo-French -age -age — more at cot entry 1, cote entry 1

Note: Regarding the status of such a holding, see note at cottar.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cottage

• Cape Cod cottage
• cottage cheese
• cottage curtains
• cottage hospital
• cottage industry
• cottage pie
• cottage pudding
• cottage tulip
• tied cottage

Rhymes for cottage

• pottage
• wattage

Kids Definition

cottage

noun

cot·​tage ˈkät-ij 

1

: a small one-family house

2

: a small house for vacation use