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.
The distressed finish fits seamlessly with a relaxed cottagecore aesthetic or a more refined French country style. Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026 For example, installing river rock or gravel in the missing sections is an easier alternative that will give off a cottagecore look. Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026 Outside, more relaxation awaits in the sizeable outdoor pool and spacious bedrooms characterized by a quiet cottagecore ambiance. Shannon Sharpe, Architectural Digest, 17 Apr. 2026 Floral Countryside Combo For a modern cottagecore aesthetic, start with floral dishware. Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026 This season will feature Peep Show’s David Mitchell as well as Mel Giedroyc, a former presenter on The Great British Bake Off, the cottagecore cooking contest that increasingly feels like a House of Windsor soft-power psyop. Claire McNear, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2026 The Folklore and Evermore eras saw Swift embracing a cottagecore aesthetic that extended to her beauty practices. Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026 English bedding brand Piglet in Bed has perfected the art of cottagecore textiles. Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 7 Jan. 2026 The Black Forest's quaint cottagecore appeal was beginning to dull. Christine Mortag, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 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 10 May. 2026.

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