cot

A cot isn't your fancy four-poster bed with a fluffy comforter. In many parts of the world, it's a sturdy, portable, and often foldable bed—perfect for camping, military barracks, or hosting an extra guest in a pinch! You'll often see these narrow frames made of canvas or metal in places where space is limited.

However, "cot" has a very important second identity depending on where you are. In British English, a cot is the standard word for what Americans call a "crib"—that safe, high-sided bed where a baby sleeps. So, if you're in London and someone mentions "putting the baby in the cot," they aren't talking about a camping bed; they are referring to a traditional nursery staple. It's a versatile word that balances the needs of a rugged traveler with the safety of a sleeping infant.

The word "cot" can mean different things depending on where you are, and that is part of its charm. In many places, a cot is a simple, narrow bed that is easy to move around. It is often made with a metal frame and a stretched fabric surface, and it may fold up for storage. These are the quiet heroes of camps, military barracks, emergency shelters, and guest rooms—useful when you need a practical place to sleep without taking up much space.

In British English, though, a cot is also what Americans usually call a "crib": a safe, high-sided bed for a baby. This is why a phrase like "put the baby in the cot" sounds perfectly normal in the UK, even though an American might picture a camping bed. You may also hear "travel cot" for a portable, fold-up baby bed used on trips.

There is also an older, mostly separate "cot" in English meaning a small house or hut—an idea that lives on in words like "cottage." In everyday modern speech, however, when someone says "cot," they are almost always talking about a simple bed (often portable) or a baby's crib (especially in British English).