closet

American  

[kloz-it] / ˈklɒz ɪt /

noun

1. a small room, enclosed recess, or cabinet for storing clothing, food, utensils, etc.

2. a small private room, especially one used for prayer, meditation, etc.

3. a state or condition of secrecy or carefully guarded privacy.

   Some conservatives remain in the closet except on election day. Gay liberation has encouraged many gay people to come out of the closet.

4. water closet.

---

adjective

1. private; secluded.

2. suited for use or enjoyment in privacy.

   closet reflections; closet prayer.

3. engaged in private study or speculation; speculative; unpractical.

   a closet thinker with no practical experience.

4. being or functioning as such in private; secret.

   a closet anarchist.

verb (used with object)

1. to shut up in a private room for a conference, interview, etc. (usually used in the passive voice).

   The secretary of state was closeted with the senator for three hours in a tense session.

closet British  

/ ˈklɒzɪt /

noun

1. a small cupboard or recess

2. a small private room

3. short for water closet

4. (modifier) private or secret

5. (modifier) suited or appropriate for use in private

   closet meditations

6. (modifier) based on or devoted to theory; speculative

   a closet strategist

---

verb

1. (tr) to shut up or confine in a small private room, esp for conference or meditation

closet Idioms  

1. see come out of the closet; skeleton in the closet.

---

Etymology

Origin of closet

1300–50; Middle English < Anglo-French, Middle French, equivalent to clos close (noun) + -et -et

Example Sentences

The items on RR Auction feature colorful clip-on bow ties from Jobs’ bedroom closet.

From Los Angeles Times

Real leather, real suede, feathers, jewels — everything that you need in a fall closet.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a stunning moment, and one of the show’s most memorable scenes, because it earnestly captures the silent yearning that comprises so much of the gay experience, especially for closeted gay men.

From Salon

Each of the five bedrooms is en suite, with the primary suite boasting dual walk-in closets.

From MarketWatch

“It’s not like I’m going back in the closet,” said Shumake, who has decided to rent out his dragster to straight drivers next year rather than leave it parked and face bankruptcy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cabinet
• container
• locker
• room
• vault
• wardrobe