cubby

noun

cub·​by ˈkə-bē How to pronounce cubby (audio)
plural cubbies
US
: a small, snug place (as for hiding or storage) : cubbyhole
Each boy on coming in gives his name, pays six cents, gets a key, and puts away his hat, books, and jacket (if he has 'em) in his own cubby for the night.Madeleine B. Stern
The room was little more than a cubby choked with wires, splitters, routers, and electronic boxes. You would have said there was no room for a man.Stephen King

Examples of cubby in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kimbo also tacks on a 20-lb propane tank bay on the passenger side and a rear storage cubby sized to hold a gas generator for backup power. New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2026 The sleek hall tree makes decluttering easy, with sturdy metal hooks for hats and bags, cubbies for shoes, storage baskets for accessories, and a shelf perfect for books and other decor. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 2026 Adding to the mud room’s appeal and utility are built-in storage cubbies, a bench to sit on when changing footwear, and ample space to hang coats and hats. James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026 Classical busts and sculptures are nestled into cubbies in the wall, and every table is lit with candles. Chelsea Brasted, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cubby

Word History

Etymology

obsolete English cub pen, from Dutch kub fish basket; akin to Old English cofa den

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cubby was in 1832

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Cite this Entry

“Cubby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cubby. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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