1
a
: an apartment or small room for privacy
b
: a monarch's or official's private chamber
2
: a cabinet or recess for especially china, household utensils, or clothing
3
: a place of retreat or privacy
4
5
: a state or condition of secrecy, privacy, or obscurity
came out of the closet
closeted; closeting; closets
1
: to shut up in or as if in a closet
2
: to take into a closet for a secret interview
1
: closely private
2
: working in or suited to the closet as the place of seclusion or study : theoretical
3
: being so in private
a closet racist
Examples of closet in a Sentence
Noun
The sheets and blankets are in the hall closet.
He has a closet full of new clothes.
Verb
He closeted himself in his apartment for several days.
he closeted himself in his study, vowing not to emerge until he had finished the term paper
Adjective
Some people think he's a closet homosexual.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adrienne So, Wired News, 17 May 2025
From the start she’s presented as a dark force, with actual skeletons in her closet.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2025
David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Yes, lighting kitchen countertops, but also closet shelves, corner coffee nooks, bar cabinets, utility rooms, powder rooms, and more.
—Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Apr. 2025
Laura Jackson, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2025
Whether paired with heels, sneakers, or both (like Gaines), wide-leg jeans are the closet staple your wardrobe may be missing this spring.
—Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for closet
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Noun
The other is a budding fashionista who stands in front of her closet, just flinging things to the ground.
—Adrienne So, Wired News, 17 May 2025
From the start she’s presented as a dark force, with actual skeletons in her closet.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2025
Verb
Other thoughtful elements include a crafts room, and the butler pantry and wine closet off the dining room.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Yes, lighting kitchen countertops, but also closet shelves, corner coffee nooks, bar cabinets, utility rooms, powder rooms, and more.
—Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Cool Knits No matter the season, a lightweight yet luxurious knit is a forever closet classic—and this spring the offerings are as cool as ever.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2025
Whether paired with heels, sneakers, or both (like Gaines), wide-leg jeans are the closet staple your wardrobe may be missing this spring.
—Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for closet
Cite this Entry
“Closet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/closet. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
closet
1 of 2 noun
clos·et
ˈkläz-ət 
1
: a small private room
2
: a cabinet or small room for china, household utensils, or clothing
closet
2 of 2 verb1
: to shut up in or as if in a closet
2
: to take into a private room for an interview
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