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

Its popular Winter Wonderland Market (taking place this year, December 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27) brings European village vibes to Central Florida, with charming cottages selling local crafts, holiday eats, and seasonal beverages and an hourly snowfall. —Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 29 Nov. 2025

Another reviewer shared that this cottage is a great base for adding solar power. —Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2025

Campbell House Inn is a true desert escape, with twelve different cottages and suites, a pool, a jacuzzi, and lush gardens. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025

The bamboo umbrella tree shown in the cottage entryway, for example, was priced at over $15,000. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 28 Nov. 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