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

Along with the restaurant, there will also be two private cottages and a luxury spa. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 22 Dec. 2024

In the original 2006 film, Winslet stars as Iris, a put-upon book editor who swaps her English countryside cottage with the LA home of Amanda, a movie trailer editor played by Cameron Diaz. —Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024

Families can select from charming cottages or lodge rooms, all with easy lake access. —Esther Carlstone, Parents, 18 Dec. 2024

Legalizes small Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) for one- and two-family homes such as backyard cottages, garage conversions and basement apartments in select areas. —Shimon Shkury, Forbes, 17 Dec. 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