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 current plan is to transport 16 cottages to the island creating 26 guest rooms, shops, a bar and grill, and a beach club with a resort style pool. —Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Her cottage in the South of France could be yours. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026

Wander forest trails, relax by the riverfront, discover the charming Osaki cottage or hop on the historic Chester‑Hadlyme Ferry. —Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026

Spoilers ahead for Every Year After Every Year After is the latest TV show to mine drama from a sleepy cottage town. —Barry Levitt, Time, 10 June 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