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