cottage

noun

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

Synonyms of cottage

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For more privacy, two two-story cottages are also available to book. — Katie Nanton, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026 In Placer County alone, officials say cottage food permits are up nearly 50% compared to two years ago. — Conor McGill, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 Paniolo Ranch near Boerne offers cottages, private hot tubs, and spa services across 100 acres. — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 The sprawling Relais & Châteaux estate spans 300 acres of forests, meadows and mountains (Vermont’s Green Mountains, to be exact) and features rustic-chic accommodations across the Lodge, Main House, Farmhouse at Copper Pond and 10 cottages. — Rebecca R. Norris, USA Today, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cottage

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

Phrases Containing cottage

Rhymes for cottage

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Browse Nearby Words

cotta
cottage
cottage bonnet
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Cite this Entry

“Cottage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cottage. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of cottage for Spanish Speakers

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