What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cottage
Example
The family rented a cottage by the lake for their summer vacation. [cottage: noun]
Example
She loves the cozy feel of her little cottage in the woods. [cottage: adjective]
cabin
Example
The couple spent the weekend in a cabin in the mountains. [cabin: noun]
Example
He built a small cabin in the woods as a retreat from city life. [cabin: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cottage is more commonly used than cabin in everyday language. Cottage is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cabin is less common and refers specifically to a small, rustic dwelling made of logs or wood.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cottage and cabin?
While cottage is typically associated with a more formal tone, cabin is more casual and informal, often used in vacation or outdoor recreation contexts.