VocabDictionary

cot

/kɒt/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A small, lightweight, and often collapsible bed, typically used for camping or as a temporary sleeping arrangement.

Example Sentences:
  • “We set up a folding cot in the guest room for our visitor.”
  • “The relief workers provided cots for the families displaced by the storm.”
2.noun

A small bed with high barred sides for a baby or young child; a crib.

Example Sentences:
  • “The baby fell fast asleep in her wooden cot.”
  • “Make sure the sides of the cot are locked securely before leaving the room.”
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “cot”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'cote', coming from the Old English 'cot' (hut, cottage), which shares roots with the Proto-Germanic 'kutan'. Historically, it referred to a small shelter or hut, eventually evolving in the 17th century to describe a small, lightweight bed, likely due to the cramped, hut-like nature of early portable sleeping frames.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'cot' as a 'compact' bed that you can fold up.

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “cot”

1. What is the meaning of “cot” in English?

In English, cot (noun) is defined as: “A small, lightweight, and often collapsible bed, typically used for camping or as a temporary sleeping arrangement.”.

2. How do you use “cot” in a sentence?

“We set up a folding cot in the guest room for our visitor.”

3. What are English synonyms of “cot”?

Common synonyms include:camp bed,crib,folding bed,pallet

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “cot”?

Derived from the Middle English 'cote', coming from the Old English 'cot' (hut, cottage), which shares roots with the Proto-Germanic 'kutan'. Historically, it referred to a small shelter or hut, eventually evolving in the 17th century to describe a small, lightweight bed, likely due to the cramped, hut-like nature of early portable sleeping frames.