Copse
/kɒps/
Definitions
A small group of trees; a thicket.
/kɒps/
A small group of trees.
The children loved to play hide-and-seek in the copse of trees.
💡 Simply: Imagine a secret hideout for squirrels and other small animals! That cozy little group of trees in the forest? That's a copse. Like when you're playing hide-and-seek and find the perfect spot behind a bunch of trees.
👶 For kids: A copse is a small group of trees that are close together.
More Examples
The artist painted a beautiful picture of a copse bathed in sunlight.
We found a secluded spot for our picnic beside a small copse.
How It's Used
"The lovers met secretly in the copse at dusk."
"A variety of birds nested within the copse, drawn by its shelter and the abundance of insects."
From Middle English *coppe* ('a wood of cut trees'), related to Middle Dutch *coppe* ('a head'), referring to a harvested or cut-over area of trees. It became copse by the 16th century.
Used frequently in poetry and literature to describe idyllic, natural settings. Often associated with a sense of tranquility and hidden beauty. Usage of the word remains relatively consistent across centuries, with minor frequency changes.
Memory tip
Think of a *small* *group* of trees and remember 'copse'.
Word Origin
"A wood of cut trees"