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

• bach [New Zealand]
• cabin
• camp
• chalet
• lodge

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

Offering six rooms, plus two family suites as well as a separate two-bedroom cottage, the Roanoke Island Inn is an excellent option for families looking for a unique stay. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 June 2025

The guest rooms are marked by plush beds made with Frette Linens and clawfoot tubs in the bathroom; cottages boast quaint living areas and private gardens. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 13 June 2025

The three-story villa, blending Gothic Revival with Art Nouveau style, feels very much like a four-suite castle with a separate one-bedroom stone cottage, pool, gardens, and private beachfront lounge area. —Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2025

There are four reception rooms, six bedrooms, outbuildings – including a separate two-bedroom cottage – and 30.88 acres of land. —Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 11 June 2025

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