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

The garage and one-bedroom, one-bath guest cottage are carved into the steep slope below the main house. —Mark David, Robb Report, 18 June 2026

Water rushed up near the famous Crystal Cove cottages and near the Beachcomber Cafe Restaurant. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 18 June 2026

The coastal town, originally a fishing village, is known for its turquoise ocean, rugged coastline, and all things maritime—fresh seafood, fishing boats, and historic cottages and boathouses now converted into galleries, studios, and vacation homes. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 17 June 2026

The baths were built in 1860 and have been in continuous use ever since; three of the cottages on the current property date from 1852. —Alissa Greenberg, Mercury News, 15 June 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