casita

American  

[kuh-see-tuh, kah-see-tah] / kəˈsi tə, kɑˈsi tɑ /

noun

plural

casitas

1. a small crude dwelling forming part of a shantytown inhabited by Mexican laborers in the southwestern United States.

2. a luxurious bungalow serving as private guest accommodations at a resort hotel, especially in the southwestern United States or Mexico.

3. (especially in the southwestern United States) a small house, especially one built alongside or as an addition to a larger main home.

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Etymology

Origin of casita

First recorded in 1920–25; from Latin American Spanish, Spanish, equivalent to cas(a) “house, home” (from Latin ) + -ita diminutive suffix

Example Sentences

He eventually emerged on the roof of a casita identical to the one featured in his Puerto Rican residency’s set, one of two structures that served as stages and tributes to the island’s culture.

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2026

The set featured a traditional casita structure, block party salsa dancing, Puerto Rican flags and a mock sugarcane field.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

Doc had escaped our casita and made his way to an outdoor wedding reception to congratulate the newlyweds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

It boasts a guest casita, “resort-style” pool and striking views of the Sonoran Desert.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 9, 2023

I wonder if now is the time to tell her about all the scary things Oscar has told me or about seeing Tío Toni at the window of his casita.

From "Before We Were Free" by Julia Alvarez