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: a shelter (such as a house) in which people live
Synonyms
Examples of dwelling in a Sentence
the simple dwellings in which the Pilgrims spent the first winter at Plymouth
Recent Examples on the Web
Arizona legislation passed earlier this year calls for cities with more than 75,000 people to allow small backyard homes, known as accessory dwelling units or casitas, to be built on properties with single-family homes.
—Catherine Reagor, The Arizona Republic, 29 Oct. 2024
The four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom dwelling is defined by its tall ceilings, which are accentuated by ceiling beams, painted the same cream shade as the walls, and contrasting steel beams at the center of the open living space.
—Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2024
It’s reported that roughly 80% of the U.S. population lives in urban areas, which creates a concentration of dwellings where people live and work.
—Kelly Anonson, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
This eco-friendly build-your-own playset lets kids—with their parents help—construct a multi-level dwelling, complete with drawbridge and trap door.
—Pamela Brill, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024
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Word History
Phrases Containing dwelling
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Cite this Entry
“Dwelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dwelling. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
dwelling
noun
dwell·ing
ˈdwel-iŋ
: a shelter in which people live : house
Legal Definition
dwelling
noun
dwell·ing
: a structure where a person lives and especially sleeps
called also dwelling house
see also burglaryNote: Courts disagree as to how permanent or consistent the habitation of a structure must be in order for it to be considered a dwelling, but most courts agree that a dwelling includes its curtilage.
More from Merriam-Webster on dwelling
Nglish: Translation of dwelling for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of dwelling for Arabic Speakers
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