noun
Common
closet
KLO-ziht
Closet (noun) means a small enclosed storage space, especially for clothes (mainly American usage). Example: “The spare blankets are in the closet at the end of the landing.”
noun
1
A small enclosed storage space, especially for clothes (mainly American usage).
"The spare blankets are in the closet at the end of the landing."
"He cleared out his bedroom closet and gave the old shirts to charity."
"She hung her coat in the hallway closet."
adj
1
Kept secret or hidden, especially describing someone not open about their identity.
"She was a closet poet, writing verses that nobody else had ever seen."
"He was a closet romantic who secretly loved sentimental films."
"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 manager closeted herself with the lawyers to settle the dispute."
"The two friends closeted themselves in the study for a long, private 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."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
come out of the closet
closet space
closet drama
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- closets
- Past tense
- closeted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The spare blankets are in the _____ at the end of the landing.
Etymology
From Old French closet, a small private space, itself from clos ("enclosed") plus the diminutive ending -et.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “closet” mean?
The word “closet” means a small enclosed storage space, especially for clothes (mainly American usage).
How do you pronounce “closet”?
“Closet” is pronounced KLO-ziht (/ˈklɑzɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “closet” in a sentence?
Here is “closet” used in a sentence: “She hung her coat in the hallway closet.”
What part of speech is “closet”?
Depending on how it is used, “closet” can be a noun, an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “closet” come from?
The word “closet” comes from Old French. From Old French closet, a small private space, itself from clos ("enclosed") plus the diminutive ending -et.
Is “closet” a common word?
“Closet” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “closet” have?
“Closet” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small enclosed storage space, especially for clothes (mainly American usage).
What is the difference between a 'closet' and a 'cupboard'?
In American English a closet is usually a small, walk-in or built-in storage space, especially for clothes, while 'cupboard' is the more common British word for an enclosed storage space with shelves. British speakers tend to use 'wardrobe' for clothes and 'cupboard' for other storage.
What is the difference between a 'closet' and a 'wardrobe'?
A closet is a built-in storage space, often a small room, mainly in American usage, while a wardrobe is typically a freestanding piece of furniture for hanging clothes. Both often describe clothes storage but differ in whether the space is part of the room or a separate unit.
What do 'in the closet' and 'come out of the closet' refer to?
These phrases use 'closet' in its adjective sense of something kept secret or hidden, especially about a person's identity. To be 'in the closet' is to keep that identity private, while to 'come out of the closet' is to reveal it openly.
What is the difference between a 'closet' and a 'cabinet'?
A closet is a storage space large enough to step into or built into a wall, while a cabinet is a smaller piece of furniture with doors and shelves, such as a kitchen or bathroom cabinet. You hang clothes in a closet but store dishes or medicine in a cabinet.
