cozy

1 of 3

adjective

co·​zy ˈkō-zē 

cozier; coziest

1

a

: enjoying or affording warmth and ease : snug

a cozy lakeside cabin

b

: marked by or providing contentment or comfort

won by a cozy margin

2

a

: marked by the intimacy of the family or a close group

We had a cozy dinner with the whole family.

b

: marked by or suggesting close association or connivance

a cozy agreement

His political opponents accused him of getting too cozy with powerful companies.

3

: marked by a discreet and cautious attitude or procedure

a cozy waiting game

cozily

ˈkō-zə-lē 

adverb

coziness

ˈkō-zē-nəs 

noun

cozy

2 of 3

noun

plural cozies

1

: a padded covering especially for a teapot to keep the contents hot

2

: a light detective story that usually features a well-educated protagonist and little explicit violence

cozy

3 of 3

adverb

: in a cautious manner

… play it cozy and wait for the other team to make a mistake.

—Bobby Dodd

Synonyms

Adjective

• canny [chiefly Scottish]
• comfortable
• comfy
• relaxed
• snug

Choose the Right Synonym for cozy

comfortable, cozy, snug, easy, restful mean enjoying or providing a position of contentment and security.

comfortable applies to anything that encourages serenity, well-being, or complacency as well as physical ease.

started feeling comfortable in our new surroundings

cozy suggests warmth, shelter, assured ease, and friendliness.

a cozy neighborhood coffee shop

snug suggests having just enough space for comfort and safety but no more.

a snug little cottage

easy implies relief from or absence of anything likely to cause discomfort or constraint.

living in easy circumstances

restful applies to whatever induces or contributes to rest or relaxation.

a quiet restful vacation

Examples of cozy in a Sentence

Adjective

The room was warm and cozy.

We had a cozy dinner with the whole family.

I spent a cozy evening reading in front of the fire.

He claims that there is a cozy arrangement between the police and the drug dealers.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Meanwhile, those seeking relaxation immerse themselves in the lodge’s cozy lounges with panoramic views and tranquil decks. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024

The actress stepped out in New York City this week in a maxi dress that was at once chic and cozy. —Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024

Noun

No beer cozies, but for those manifesting a presidential run, there were plenty of shaman 2024 bumper stickers. —Frederick Kaufman, Harper's Magazine, 22 Apr. 2024

Grandma will agree that snuggling up in a pair of these cute cozies is an ideal way to wind down at the end of a long day. —Lizzy Briskin, Peoplemag, 3 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective, Noun, and Adverb

perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian koselig cozy

First Known Use

Adjective

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1946, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cozy

• cozy up

Kids Definition

cozy

1 of 2 adjective

co·​zy ˈkō-zē 

cozier; coziest

: snug entry 2 sense 2, comfortable

cozily

-zə-lē 

adverb

coziness

-zē-nəs 

noun

cozy

2 of 2 noun

plural cozies

: a padded cover for a teapot used to keep the contents hot