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

It is based on Aller Simple, Crave’s French crime drama series in which passengers invited to travel by helicopter to a French-Canadian billionaire’s home ended up stranded in a cottage. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025

Stretching out over around 2 acres, the property includes 424 West Wakefield Blvd., a guest cottage adding around 600 square feet with a stone fireplace, kitchen, bath, patio and dock. —Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2025

While the Cave is undeniably the star of Dunlap Hollow, the property’s cottage and A-frame are also in high demand, largely because of its private wilderness setting. —Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 24 Feb. 2025

With four guest rooms plus a separate cottage, perks include an outdoor pool, a European-style breakfast, and weekend wine receptions. —Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 24 Feb. 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