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

Sow lower-growing varieties at the front of mixed borders or tuck them into cottage gardens. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 July 2024

Today, the exclusive enclave is home to 350 homesites ranging from cottages to beachfront estates and recently entered its final phase with the addition of The North Village. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 9 July 2024

The islands boasted their own lighthouse and pub as well as a handful of cottages. —David Faris, Newsweek, 9 July 2024

The bestseller is a 444-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath cottage priced just over $26,000. —Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 2 July 2024

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

Kids Definition

cottage

noun

cot·​tage ˈkät-ij 

1

: a small one-family house

2

: a small house for vacation use