Closet

/ˈklɑːzɪt/

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A small, enclosed space used for storage.

/ˈklɑːzɪt/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A small room or cupboard for storage.

The closet is full of clothes.

💡 Simply: A closet is like a secret hideaway for your stuff! It's a small room or cupboard where you keep things like clothes, blankets, or toys.

👶 For kids: A small room to keep things in.

More Examples

2

He hid in the closet.

How It's Used

Home

"I keep my coats in the closet."

Retail

"The store had a large linen closet."

2

To shut up in or as if in a closet; to seclude.

/ˈklɑːzɪt/

verbneutralIntermediate
General

To confine or hide something.

The two leaders closeted themselves to discuss the treaty.

💡 Simply: To closet something means to hide it away, usually secretly. Imagine hiding a treasure map in your closet.

👶 For kids: To hide something away in a secret place.

How It's Used

Figurative

"They closeted themselves away to discuss the plan."

Tip:Think of hiding something away in a secret place.

Idioms & expressions

skeleton in the closet

A hidden or embarrassing secret.

"He has a few skeletons in his closet."

From Middle English *closchet, diminutive of close.

The word's meaning has largely remained consistent throughout history, but the usage of 'closeted' in a figurative sense emerged later.

Memory tip

Think of 'close' - it's a closed space.

closettclosit

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written