Cot
/kɒt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA simple, often portable, bed, usually made of a frame and a stretched piece of canvas or other material.
/kɒt/
A portable bed
The weary travelers collapsed on the cots after a long hike.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're camping and need a quick, lightweight bed. A cot is like a mini-bed that you can easily set up and take down – perfect for sleepovers, camping trips, or extra guests!
👶 For kids: A cot is like a bed that you can fold up and take with you. It's good for camping or when you have a friend sleep over!
More Examples
They used cots as temporary beds in the emergency shelter.
The military-style cot was easy to set up and pack away.
How It's Used
"We slept on cots under the stars."
"The soldiers were provided with cots in the barracks."
"The hospital used cots for extra patients during the crisis."
A small bed for a baby or young child, typically with high sides.
/kɒt/
A small bed for a baby or child.
The baby slept soundly in her cot.
💡 Simply: Think of a baby's safe and cozy bed. It's like a crib, but we often call it a cot. It keeps the baby snug and protected!
👶 For kids: A cot is a small bed with sides for a baby or a little kid so they don't roll out.
More Examples
The daycare center had several cots for naptime.
She gently placed the child in the cot.
How It's Used
"The nursery provided a cot for each infant."
"She placed the baby gently in its cot."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Middle English *cote*, from Old English *cote* ('cottage, hut, den'), from Proto-Germanic *kutō* ('hut').
Historically, 'cot' has been used to refer to various types of simple dwellings, even before specifically being linked to beds.
Memory tip
Think of camping: the cot is your bed in the tent.
Word Origin
"cottage, hut, den"