What does cot mean?
A cot is a narrow, lightweight bed designed for one person, typically built on a folding or collapsible frame so it can be stored away or transported easily. Cots are familiar fixtures in campsites, military barracks, hospitals, emergency shelters, and homes that need occasional extra sleeping space for guests. In British English the word has a second, very common meaning: a small bed with high sides in which a baby sleeps, known in American English as a crib. The word entered English in the seventeenth century from Hindi 'khat,' ultimately tracing back to Sanskrit 'khatva,' making it one of many everyday words absorbed into English during Britain's colonial contact with India. Because its meaning shifts across regions — a portable bed in America, a baby's bed in Britain — context matters when using the word. Related compounds such as 'travel cot' and 'folding cot' reflect its strong association with portability and temporary accommodation.
A narrow, lightweight bed for one person, typically portable and often having a folding frame.
"Each soldier was issued a canvas cot for the field."
This is the dominant sense in both British and American English.
In British English, a small bed with high sides for an infant or young child.
"The nursery had a freshly made cot by the window."
Called a 'crib' in American English.
Regular plural formed by adding -s.
"The shelter lined up a dozen cots along the wall."
English borrowed 'cot' from Hindi 'khat' — the word traveled back to Britain along with the colonial army's campaign furniture and never left.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cot
The word 'cot' was borrowed into English in the early seventeenth century from Hindi 'khat,' meaning a bedstead or couch, which itself derives from Sanskrit 'khatva.' It reflects the vocabulary exchange that accompanied British trade and colonial administration in India. Despite its foreign origin, the word settled comfortably into English, likely aided by its resemblance to native short monosyllabic nouns.
How cot is actually used
In American English, the infant sense is expressed by 'crib,' and 'crib' can also mean the adult folding bed in some regions, which occasionally causes transatlantic confusion. In South Asian English, 'cot' commonly refers to any ordinary bed frame, including large ones.
Easily confused with cot
A cote is a shelter for animals, such as a dovecote, whereas a cot is a type of bed.
A coat is an outer garment worn on the body, while a cot is a piece of furniture used for sleeping.