residence

noun

res·​i·​dence ˈre-zə-dən(t)s 

ˈrez-dən(t)s,

ˈre-zə-ˌden(t)s

1

a

: the act or fact of dwelling in a place for some time

b

: the act or fact of living or regularly staying at or in some place for the discharge of a duty or the enjoyment of a benefit

2

a(1)

: the place where one actually lives as distinguished from one's domicile or a place of temporary sojourn

(2)

: domicile sense 2a

b

: the place where a corporation is actually or officially established

c

: the status of a legal resident

3

a

: a building used as a home : dwelling

b

: housing or a unit of housing provided for students

4

a

: the period or duration of abode in a place

b

: a period of active and especially full-time study, research, or teaching at a college or university

Phrases

in residence

: engaged to live and work at a particular place often for a specified time

poet in residence at a university

Synonyms

• abode
• diggings
• domicile
• dwelling
• fireside
• habitation
• hearth
• hearthstone
• home
• house
• lodging
• pad
• place
• quarters
• roof

Examples of residence in a Sentence

He recently ended his residence at the apartment complex.

They were granted residence in this country.

Recent Examples on the Web

These residences offer direct elevator entry, views of Central Park and the city skyline, and generous walk-in closets in the primary suites. —Jessica Cherner, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024

The Secret Service has also erected fencing around the U.S. Capitol, the White House and Kamala Harris' residence in D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the police department is also stepping up its presence in commercial districts in all eight wards of the city. —Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

For his second outing on Nov. 5, Prince William met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the president’s official residence in Cape Town. —Simon Perry, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024

Over a decade after rocker Anthony Kiedis sold his home in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles for nearly $1.9 million, the Red Hot Chili Peppers founder and lead singer’s former residence has once again surfaced for sale. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing residence

• hall of residence
• residence hall
• residence time
• take up residence

Kids Definition

residence

noun

res·​i·​dence ˈrez-əd-ən(t)s 

-ə-ˌden(t)s

1

: the act or state of living or working continuously in a place

physicians in residence in a hospital

residence abroad

2

a

: the place where one lives

b

: the status of a legal resident

3

a

: the period during which a person resides in a place

b

: a period of actual study, research, or teaching at a college or university

Legal Definition

residence

noun

res·​i·​dence ˈre-zə-dəns 

1

: the act or fact of living in a place

2

a

: the place where one actually lives as distinguished from a domicile or place of temporary sojourn

a person can have more than one residence but only one domicile

Note: A distinction is usually maintained between domicile and residence based on the relative permanency of a domicile and the intent to make it a principal place of abode. In some contexts, however, such as for determining proper venue domicile and residence are used as synonyms. Similarly residence and domicile are sometimes used as synonyms with regard to the place of incorporation of a business.

b

: a place in which a corporation does business or is licensed to do business

3

: the status of a resident

4

: dwelling