cottagecore

noun

cot·​tage·​core ˈkä-tij-ˌkȯr How to pronounce cottagecore (audio)
: a style (as of dress or decor) that evokes a romantic vision of rural life
cottagecore embraces everything quaint and whimsical about an idyllic bygone era without ever having to deal with its less photogenic realities.Laura Reed
This season's coat trends are here to remind us that cottagecore isn't going anywhere, with quilted textures … and fashion-forward flannel jackets all rising in popularity among shoppers.Frances Solá-Santiago
often used before another noun
The cottagecore aesthetic exploded in 2020, driven by a collective longing for simplicity, warmth and control during unpredictable times.Mandy Applegate
This set of four vintage teacups will blend in seamlessly with the rest of your cottagecore home, and it'll look great when friends come over for tea.Jae Thomas

Examples of cottagecore in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Get ready for special occasions with this tea party-chic dress that gives off cottagecore vibes. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2026 Known for looking romantic and a little overgrown, the cottage garden aesthetic pairs beautifully with so many interior trends—from maximalist to farmhouse to, of course, cottagecore. Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 17 May 2026 Its traditional design, in soft, muted hues, complements a wide range of interior aesthetics from cottagecore to Spanish Revival and everything in between. Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026 Her signature golden curls were the hallmark of her country-music image, while more romantic and cottagecore hairstyles defined the artist's Folklore and Evermore eras. Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026 Recently, Cider quietly opened an Amazon storefront, where some of the brand’s eclectic styles—an amalgamation of aesthetics from cottagecore toile de Jouy to Y2K leather—are now shoppable on the internet’s biggest retail platform. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

cottage + -core (in hardcore, soft-core)

First Known Use

2019, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cottagecore was in 2019

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cottagecore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cottagecore. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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