dwelling

noun

dwell·​ing ˈdwe-liŋ 

: a shelter (such as a house) in which people live

Synonyms

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

Examples of dwelling in a Sentence

the simple dwellings in which the Pilgrims spent the first winter at Plymouth

Recent Examples on the Web

Photo : One Point Media Group The front entrance to the primary dwelling. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 19 Dec. 2024

In 2023, the whole dwelling was placed on the market for $1.279 million, eventually selling for $1 million. —Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 13 Dec. 2024

Landed during the rainy season in a swamp, the emigrants found neither fresh water nor waterproof dwellings awaiting them, though they were shortly regaled with a supply of skates! —Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 13 Dec. 2024

The dwellings of millions of people had to be reconfigured: Bedrooms became satellite work bureaus, kitchens functioned as Zoom meeting rooms, and living rooms doubled as virtual classrooms. —Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see dwell

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing dwelling

• dwelling place
• lake dwelling
• two-family house/dwelling

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 burglary

Note: 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.