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

One area where Bodek says the county hasn’t been able to have much effect: the locations of accessory dwelling units, or ADUs. —Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025

Over 7,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the blaze and 26% of damage inspections for dwellings have been completed. —Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 14 Jan. 2025

Cold homes and electric heaters Because much of New England's housing stock is so old, residents often struggle to heat their dwellings effectively, Porteleki said. —Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025

According to records, the property comprises two adjacent plots: one with a modern farmhouse that clocks in at 16,200 square feet, and a smaller parcel with a 3,400-square-foot dwelling that presumably serves as a guesthouse. —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 9 Jan. 2025

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.