A small, enclosed space or compartment where things or people can be stored or hidden; often used for children's storage in schools.
Possibly from 'cub' or from Dutch 'kubbel' (a shelter). First appeared in English in the 1800s as a word for small shelters or enclosed spaces.
Cubbies in kindergarten and elementary schools are probably where most kids first learned about personal space and ownership—they're a perfect, age-appropriate introduction to lockers and the idea of 'your' space.
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