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

On top of that, sunny orange-yellow flowers complement the brilliant pinks and purples of zinnia blooms beautifully, and these two plants are often used together in bouquets or cottage garden designs. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025

Guests can check into a Pueblo-style suite complete with a private soaking tub, the cottages, a room in the 1917 Historic Hotel, or even a vintage trailer. —Maggie Fuller, AFAR Media, 1 Apr. 2025

For lodging near Ngorongoro, consider the quaint cottages of Entamanu Nomad Camp. —Ronny Maye, Essence, 28 Mar. 2025

Published on March 27, 2025 By Tori Latham Photo : Andrea B. Swenson/Ellis Sotheby's International Realty A storybook entrance takes you into the stone cottage. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 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