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

Accessibility There is one accessible cottage with a roll-in shower and grab bars. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026

Located in Carmel, California, the property is known for its rustic cottages, romantic atmosphere and tennis club, and remains a popular Northern California weekend destination decades after Eastwood acquired it. —Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026

Highlights include food tents at the international cottages, free admission to museums and live performances in Spanish Village. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

Accommodations range from historic hotel units and cottages to multi-bedroom cabins and houses, and because the resort sits on a 1,000-acre peninsula and has more than two miles of lakeshore, water views are plentiful. —Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 6 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