closet

1 of 3

noun

clos·​et ˈklä-zət How to pronounce closet (audio)
ˈklȯ-
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
closetful noun

closet

2 of 3

verb

closeted; closeting; closets

transitive verb

1
: to shut up in or as if in a closet
2
: to take into a closet for a secret interview

closet

3 of 3

adjective

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
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.
Noun
Instead of partaking in fads or trends, Reilly says her new closet is built around pieces that are classic and timeless. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 1 July 2025 The limited space does mean fewer onboard options—no spa or thermal suite here—and smaller closets, which can be a challenge on longer trips. Jill Schildhouse, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
The man who at one point was closeted about his sexuality now understands the importance of representation. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 3 July 2025 Brian Graden grew up in the Midwest, closeted through young adulthood because under his beliefs at the time, homosexuality was a sin. Greta Cross, USA Today, 30 June 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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French closett, diminutive of clos enclosure — more at close

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

circa 1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of closet was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Closet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/closet. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

closet

1 of 2 noun
clos·​et ˈkläz-ət How to pronounce closet (audio)
1
: a small private room
2
: a cabinet or small room for china, household utensils, or clothing

closet

2 of 2 verb
1
: to shut up in or as if in a closet
2
: to take into a private room for an interview

More from Merriam-Webster on closet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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