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

For bigger groups—or those just wanting more space—several cottages dot the grounds. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 14 May 2026

The nearly nine-acre property also features a caretaker’s cottage and a former stable that is currently used as a storage shed—both of which could easily become guesthouses, studios, or wellness spaces. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 May 2026

Coastal blues and plants add a cottage charm to this open space. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 13 May 2026

Guests stay in one of 21 private cottages with king or queen beds, and Wi-Fi is limited to those private cottages to help guests reflect and stay present. —Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 13 May 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