adjective
B2
Upper-Intermediate
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
1
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."
2
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
1
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 notesIn 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.
Common pairings
cozy up to
a cozy corner
cozy little
cozy relationship
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We spent the evening in a _____ cabin with the stove lit.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for cozy
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.
What is the meaning of cozy?
"cozy" (adjective) means warm, comfortable and sheltered, in a way that makes you feel relaxed. The usual American spelling of cosy.
