English UsageComparison guide
Crib vs. Cot
For the small barred bed used by a baby or young child, “crib” is the US term and “cot” is the UK term.
For the small barred bed used by a baby or young child, “crib” is the US term and “cot” is the UK term.
Key details
Confusion Familyregional or usage vocabulary
Rule Familyvocabulary choice
Termscrib, cot
Variant ScopeThe equivalence is limited to the baby-bed sense; “cot” also has other regional senses and “crib” has other meanings.
Further guidance
Core difference
For the small barred bed used by a baby or young child, “crib” is the US term and “cot” is the UK term.
Fast Test
Choose the term that matches both the intended sense and the audience or register described by the dictionaries.
Usage Boundary
The equivalence is limited to the baby-bed sense; “cot” also has other regional senses and “crib” has other meanings.
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.
- Crib — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Authority used to verify the public wording and usage boundary.
- Cot — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Authority used to verify the public wording and usage boundary.