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

Now, for the first time in more than two decades, Old Edwards Reserve is evolving with the introduction of Laurel Village, a limited collection of 24 cottages positioned around an 18,000-square-foot private putting course. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026

Indoor and outdoor event spaces, a private wine cellar and a museum are part of the changes, along with eight new three-bedroom, three-bath cottages for guests. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026

The 21,000-square-foot property has eight bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a two-bedroom guest cottage, and a ballroom that’s been converted into a game room and home theater. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 11 Oct. 2026

Instead of a retirement cottage, Doetsch decided to continue his family’s legacy of making homemade cider but with a fresh, state-of-the-art approach. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 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