adjective

cozy

KOH-zee

Cozy (adjective) means Warm, comfortable and sheltered, in a way that makes you feel relaxed. The usual American spelling of cosy. Example: “We spent the evening in a cozy cabin with the stove lit.”

adjective

Warm, comfortable and sheltered, in a way that makes you feel relaxed. The usual American spelling of cosy.

"We spent the evening in a cozy cabin with the stove lit."

"Her flat is small but cozy."

Friendly and intimate, sometimes in a way that suggests an improperly close arrangement.

"The two of them had a cozy chat by the fire."

"Reporters questioned the cozy relationship between the regulator and the industry it oversees."

noun

A padded cover placed over a teapot to keep the contents hot.

"Put the cozy on or the tea will go cold."

How to Use Cozy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWarm and comfortable in a way that makes you want to stay put.

When to use it

Everyday and affectionate; the noun sense is chiefly British and usually spelt cosy.

Memory tip

"Cozy up to someone" means to try to win their favour, and usually implies self-interest.

Easily confused with

cosy → comfy → homely →

Common pairings

cozy up to a cozy corner cozy little cozy relationship

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Can you complete this real example?

We spent the evening in a _____ cabin with the stove lit.

Synonyms

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snug comfortable warm homely inviting intimate chummy close tea cosy

Antonyms

draughty bleak uncomfortable

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Rhymes for cozy

dozy doozy woozy boozy

See all rhymes for cozy →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between cozy and cosy?

None in meaning — they are the same word. Cozy is standard in American English and cosy in British and Commonwealth English. Choose one and stay consistent within a piece of writing.

What is a cozy mystery?

It is a genre of crime fiction in which the violence happens offstage, the setting is a small community, and the detective is usually an amateur. The tone is gentle and puzzle-focused rather than graphic, which is where the name comes from.

Can cozy be negative?

Yes, when it describes relationships. Calling a link between a company and its regulator cozy implies the two are too friendly for the public good, and the word then carries a clear note of suspicion.

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