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

Main door entrances, cottage bathrooms, and at least one bathroom in all public spaces adhere to international norms for wheelchair access, with sliding door frames flush with the floors, ramps in all common buildings, and a collapsible one for pool access. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

For a contemporary take that can span everything from a modern farmhouse to a quaint cottage, these seven spindle bed frames bring elegance to your bedroom with a historical touch. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 21 Apr. 2026

But Yun got to have a lot of fun with Lindsay’s in-show taste in design, and how unintentionally telling it is — both of her life experiences, pulling a lot from British cottage eclecticism, and her need to be in control of one aspect of her life. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026

If the proposal passes, the tax would be calculated as a percentage of the accommodation price, including hotels, holiday cottages and short-term rentals. —Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 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