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cottagecore

American  
[kot-ij-kawr] / ˈkɒt ɪdʒˌkɔr /

noun

  1. an aesthetic or imagery inspired by an old-fashioned, rural lifestyle, characterized by rustic décor and fashion, a revival of traditional handicrafts, etc..

    For many, cottagecore can seem like a respite in our overstimulated world.


Etymology

Origin of cottagecore

First recorded in 2015–20; cottage ( def. ) + -core ( def. ), from its supposed invocation of the charm of the English countryside and its cottages

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.

See Examples For:

Young people thrifting clothes as they embrace their Y2K or cottagecore aesthetics have helped secondhand shopping shed its stigma, turning it into a trend, not a necessity.

From MarketWatch Nov. 19, 2025

Like many people during the pandemic, she became obsessed with cottagecore design — a romantic trend that celebrates an idealized version of country living and evokes a simpler time.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 4, 2025

“Crow Talk” is a study of grief, friendship and navigating loss; a cottagecore book that is at once cozy reading and emotionally challenging.

From Seattle Times May 6, 2024

It’s not just cottagecore: “Putting up” produce is a time-honored food preservation method to keep fruits and vegetables shelf-stable.

From Salon Dec. 6, 2023

The early days of the pandemic saw an increase in interest in the "cottagecore" aesthetic.

From Salon Dec. 27, 2022

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