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 rates also drop at the historic Sea Island Resort, which offers a variety of accommodations—ranging from The Cloister to private cottages—along with nostalgic specialty sundaes, Sunday bingo, and a world-class spa. — Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2026

About 40 Gullah Geechee still live on the island year-round in modest dwellings, such as cottages and single-wide trailers. — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 8 Aug. 2026

The spa The spa here is large, less storybook cottage and more farmhouse-style mansion. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026

Set on a leafy half acre of land, this lovely cottage is less than two miles away from the beach and offers a scenic back deck complete with chaise lounges, an outdoor shower, and a dining table for six. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Aug. 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