Cot
/kɒt/noun
A small bed, usually for a child, or a simple shelter or booth.
Did you know?The word is historically tied to Old English *cot*, meaning a small hut or shelter, and in some dialects it also referred to a simple bed—proof that everyday words often began as rough, practical survival terms rather than cozy nursery language.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
cot
“A small hut, shelter, or dwelling; later also a bed for a child or a simple bed.”
Middle English
ME
cot
“A small house, hut, or enclosed shelter; also a bed or cradle.”
Old French
OF
cote
“A small house or hut.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*kutą
“Likely a small hut or shelter (reconstructed form; exact details uncertain).”
Modern English
EN
cot
“A small bed, especially for a child, or a portable folding bed.”