noun
closet
KLO-ziht
noun
1
A small enclosed storage space, especially for clothes (mainly American usage).
"She hung her coat in the hallway closet."
adj
1
Kept secret or hidden, especially describing someone not open about their identity.
"He was a closet fan of the show, embarrassed to admit it in public."
verb
1
To shut someone away privately, usually for a serious talk.
"The two executives closeted themselves for hours before announcing the merger."
How to Use Closet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small storage space, or (as an adjective) something kept hidden — most familiar today in "in the closet," meaning not openly out about one's sexuality.
UK vs US
American English uses "closet" where British English usually says "wardrobe" or "cupboard."
Common pairings
come out of the closet
closet space
closet drama
Word Forms
closeted past tense, closets singular
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Etymology
From Old French closet, a small private space, itself from clos ("enclosed") plus the diminutive ending -et.