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

Homes in the community span from cottages to condos to apartments to hit every price point and to welcome anyone at any socioeconomic level. —Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

About 65% of California homeowners live in homeowners associations (HOA) with rules blocking modest additions like duplexes or backyard cottages — often the most affordable options for families and aging residents. —David Bonaccorsi, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025

There was something familiar in the cottage owner’s demeanor that reminded me of him too. —Jennifer Hope Choi, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025

While decoupage is commonly linked to a charming cottage style, the possibilities are endless. —Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 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