English UsageComparison guide
Cozy vs. Cosy
Cambridge labels “cozy” as the US spelling of “cosy”; “cosy” is the UK form for the corresponding comfortable/warm senses.
Use “cozy” in US English and “cosy” in UK English when referring to the corresponding senses.
Key details
Confusion Familyregional-spelling-and-sense
Rule Familyregional-orthography
Termscozy, cosy
Variant ScopeCambridge labels “cozy” as the US spelling of “cosy”; “cosy” is the UK form for the corresponding comfortable/warm senses.
Further guidance
Core difference
This is primarily a regional spelling choice.
Fast Test
Identify the intended sense first, then apply the documented regional or domain spelling for that sense.
Variant Boundary
Specialized titles, proper names, quotations, and house style can preserve a different form.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Cozy — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Cozy entry identifying cozy as the US spelling of cosy
- Cosy — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Cosy entry identifying cosy as the UK form and cozy as the US form