First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1closet
noun clos·et \ˈklä-zət, ˈklȯ-\
: a usually small room that is used for storing things (such as clothing, towels, or dishes)
: a state in which someone will not talk about something or admit something; especially : a state in which someone will not admit being a homosexual
Full Definition of CLOSET
1
a : an apartment or small room for privacy b : a monarch's or official's private chamber
2
: a cabinet or recess for especially china, household utensils, or clothing
3
: a place of retreat or privacy
4
5
: a state or condition of secrecy, privacy, or obscurity <came out of the closet>
— clos·et·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun
See closet defined for English-language learners
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Origin of CLOSET
Middle English, from Anglo-French closett, diminutive of clos enclosure — more at close
Rhymes with CLOSET
2closet
verb
: to put (yourself) in a room in order to be alone
: to bring (someone) into a room in order to talk privately
Full Definition of CLOSET
transitive verb
1
: to shut up in or as if in a closet
2
: to take into a closet for a secret interview
See closet defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CLOSET
1595
3closet
adjective
: hiding the fact that you are a particular type of person
Full Definition of CLOSET
1
: closely private
2
: working in or suited to the closet as the place of seclusion or study : theoretical
3
: being so in private <a closet racist>
See closet defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CLOSET
circa 1615
CLOSETFUL Defined for Kids
closet
noun clos·et \ˈklä-zət\
Definition of CLOSET for Kids
: a small room for clothing or for supplies for the house <a clothes closet>
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