cubbyhole

noun

cub·​by·​hole ˈkə-bē-ˌhōl How to pronounce cubbyhole (audio)
: a small snug place (as for hiding or storage)
also : a cramped space

Examples of cubbyhole in a Sentence

The car has lots of cubbyholes for small items. He keeps the key in a cubbyhole in his desk. He worked in a cubbyhole under the stairs.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Image Image The center is visible from the street through a glass entrance opening to a wide corridor and wall of custom shelving with cubbyholes, pegboards and stools designed by the architect Koray Duman. Hilarie M. Sheets, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 Even though his 1,440-square-foot cubbyhole packed with used books was closed to walk-in customers during the first few months of the lockdown, Maxwell saw a 30% to 40% boost in sales during that time because customers sharply pivoted to buying books online. Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025 Isle of Gelato: A cubbyhole of a place on Pedlar Street sells artisanal ice creams, including vegan recipes, that have amassed quite a following. Prasad Ramamurthy, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2024 Once removed from their cubbyhole, the bits can be inserted in one of two hexagonal driver holes. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 17 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for cubbyhole

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cubbyhole was in 1824

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Cite this Entry

“Cubbyhole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cubbyhole. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

cubbyhole

noun
cub·​by·​hole ˈkəb-ē-ˌhōl How to pronounce cubbyhole (audio)
: a snug place (as for storing things)

More from Merriam-Webster on cubbyhole

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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