abode

noun

ə-ˈbōd 

1

: the place where one lives : home

were reluctant to leave their lifelong abode

Welcome to my humble abode.

2

: a temporary stay : sojourn

… if any such dares to continue his abode in a family where his coming was an unauthorized intrusion …

—Walter Scott

3

obsolete : wait, delay

Synonyms

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

Examples of abode in a Sentence

welcome to my humble abode

Recent Examples on the Web

Across two floors and 2,600 square feet, the cozy abode retains many of its original details, including hand-hewn wood beams, wide-board pine floors, and three working fireplaces. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 May 2025

Each room in this Beyoğlu abode feels eclectic but highly intentional, with velvet armchairs in jewel tones, Moroccan tiles, and local artwork spread throughout. —Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2025

The lush abode also occupies 300 feet of Lake Washington. —Moná Thomas, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Sprinkle in some wellness with a stay at Ski Hills Cabins and Saunas, where each abode has a private sauna with forest-view windows. —Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 10 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English abade, abode, from bade, bode "stay, delay" (going back to Old English bād "expectation, period of waiting," probably going back to Germanic *baiđ-, noun derivative from the base of *bīđ- "wait, bide") crossed with abiden "to abide"

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing abode

• no fixed abode
• place of abode

Rhymes for abode

• anode
• barcode
• bestowed
• boatload
• borrowed
• carload
• caseload
• cathode
• commode
• corrode
• crossroad
• decode

Kids Definition

abode

noun

ə-ˈbōd 

: the place where one stays or lives

Legal Definition

abode

past and past participle of abide