dwell

verb

ˈdwel 

dwelled ˈdweld 

ˈdwelt

or dwelt ˈdwelt  ; dwelling

intransitive verb

1

: to remain for a time

dwell in the hallway

2

a

: to live as a resident

the town in which he dwelled for eight years

the dwelling place of the gods

b

: exist, lie

where the heart of the matter dwells

3

a

: to keep the attention directed

—used with on or upon

tried not to dwell on my fears

b

: to speak or write insistently

—used with on or upon

reporters dwelling on the recent scandal

dweller

ˈdwe-lər 

noun

Synonyms

• abide
• hang around
• remain
• stay
• stick around
• tarry

Examples of dwell in a Sentence

a cave where bats dwell

dwelling with a farm family as an exchange student in France

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, encourage self-compassion by celebrating progress, acknowledging effort and emphasizing learning from mistakes rather than dwelling on them. —Stephen Sokoler, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Surtain is not one to dwell on accolades or praise. —Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 13 Dec. 2024

Gone Fishing Pinterest reeled in a certain nautical trend to inspire those who dwell where the land means the sea: the fisherman aesthetic. —Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024

The furnishings of the main building, where white women dwelled, were tasteful and comfortable, albeit sparely decorated. —Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English dwellan to go astray, hinder; akin to Old High German twellen to tarry

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dwell

• dwell on/upon

Kids Definition

dwell

verb

ˈdwel 

dwelled ˈdweld  ˈdwelt  or dwelt ˈdwelt  ; dwelling

1

: to stay for a while

2

: to live in a place : reside

3

: to keep the attention directed

dwelled on their mistakes

dweller noun