garret
1 Americannoun
noun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of garret1
1300–50; Middle English garite watchtower < Old French garite, guerite watchtower, derivative of garir, guarir to defend, protect; see garrison
Origin of garret2
First recorded in 1835–45; of uncertain origin
Explanation
A garret is a room at the very top of a house, just underneath the roof. If you don't have enough money to rent a proper room, you might be able to rent a garret. Garret comes from the old French word guerite, which means "watchtower" or "sentry box." These days, a garret has nothing to do with war; it simply means the little room at the very top of a building, which is also called an attic. The idea of living in a garret is romantically associated with being a starving artist — great if you don't mind hunger and stooping over all the time because the roof is so low.
Vocabulary lists containing garret
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Garret Anderson’s most memorable moment was belting a decisive three-run double in Game 7 of the only World Series ever played by the Angels.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026
And he wasn’t even the only new linebacker to shine: Garret Wallow, who led the team in tackles, arrived off waivers in December.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026
Professional baseball player Mitchell Garret wrote on Facebook that Biffle and his family were on their way to spend the afternoon with him.
From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025
"I'm not sure he's a lame duck yet," Garret Martin, professor of international relations at American University, told AFP.
From Barron's • Nov. 25, 2025
Garret Charles looks at Rex, wilting him, and then back at me, with a nod to the door.
From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
