Plural of cubby; small enclosed spaces, compartments, or storage areas, often used for keeping belongings in schools or homes.
From cubby (a diminutive form, possibly related to 'cube' or to dialectal 'cub' meaning shelter or enclosed space) + -ies (English plural suffix). The origin is uncertain but may relate to cozy enclosed spaces.
The word 'cubby' is one of those wonderfully informal words that different regions use differently—some call them 'lockers,' others 'cubicles,' but 'cubbies' has a special coziness that appeals especially to teachers and elementary school kids!
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