cottage

noun

cot·​tage ˈkä-tij How to pronounce cottage (audio)
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 adjective

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 Their biggest disagreement in recent memory was over the color of their new shower curtain – Compton wanted one that was hot pink and printed with diamonds, while Davis wanted a shower curtain with a cozy cottage vibe. Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2024 Midtown's homes ranged from massive Victorians to backyard cottages. Journal Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2024 Now, the Decker Family Trust is selling a rustic cottage and 7.8 acres off Decker Canyon Road for $1.6 million. Hadley Meares, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2024 This restored 1884 Victorian seaside grand dame underwent a $20 million renovation a couple of years ago and now has 12 cottages, four suites, a three-bedroom waterfront property, and 34 guestrooms. Everett Potter, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 House exterior styles range from farmhouse to cottage, but there are a few paint colors that are quintessential Southern classics. Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2024 In Finland, dry toilets are particularly prevalent in rural summer cottages, Renell told CNN in a video call. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 22 Feb. 2024 Theo Harper and his pregnant wife, Darla, head upstate to their summer cottage to wait out the lockdown. Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 7 Feb. 2024 On this trip, the pod split into smaller groups, some closer to shore, just swimming distance from the Crystal Cove cottages, while others were farther out toward Catalina Island. Laylan Connelly, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cottage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cottage was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near cottage

Cite this Entry

“Cottage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cottage. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cottage

noun
cot·​tage ˈkät-ij How to pronounce cottage (audio)
1
: a small one-family house
2
: a small house for vacation use

More from Merriam-Webster on cottage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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